Illinois Jury Awards 615,000 for Injured Truck Driver When Steel Rolls Off Flatbed

In October 2004, the plaintiff truck driver was hauling a pre-loaded 2,000-pound bundle of steel rebar. When the plaintiff reached his destination and loosened the cargo straps, the bundle of rebar rolled off the flatbed of the trailer and severely injured the truck driver by falling on his leg.

The plaintiff, age 31, sustained a tibial fracture. He was out of work for six months after surgery to repair the fracture. It was argued at the jury trial that the defendant company, Menard Inc., was negligent in preparing the pre-loaded cargo and securing the bundle of rebar. Menard maintained that the truck driver was negligent in loosening the cargo strap causing his own injuries.

The Whiteside County, Ill., jury found in favor of the plaintiff truck driver and awarded him $615,451 in the following manner:


• $200,000 for past and future loss of normal life;
• $250,000 for past and future pain and suffering;
• $141,451 for past and future medical expenses; and
• $24,000 for future loss of earnings.

The plaintiff truck driver was represented by attorney David W. Olivero of Peru, Ill. At trial, plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury for $650,000 wherein the defendant’s offer before trial was $150,000.

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling truck accidents, automobile crashes and personal injury matters for individuals and families for more than 36 years, in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Palos Heights, Alsip, Brookfield, Skokie, Chicago (Garfield Park), Chicago (Little Village), Maywood, Elmhurst, Villa Park and Lemont, Ill.

Related blog posts:

$8 Million Jury Verdict for Bricklayer Who Fell 30 Feet at Construction Site – Mazzorana v. Emil Perrotta Co.

$6.4 Million Settlement for Construction Worker’s Injuries Following 25 Foot Fall – Carmona v. Dormitory Authority