$2.4 Million Verdict for Young Man Run Down by Chicago City Worker

    CHICAGO, IL, September 25, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On Friday, a jury awarded a $2.4 million verdict to Stephen Dewart, formerly of Chicago. Dewart suffered multiple injuries when Chicago Streets and Sanitation worker Dwight Washington's vehicle struck him at the corner of Rush and Cedar streets in 2011. Dewart was represented by accident attorneys Susan Novosad and Jordan Powell.

Dewart was participating in a photo shoot when Washington lost control of his city-owned truck and plowed into Dewart. Washington tested over the legal blood alcohol limit and police found open alcohol in his truck.

"Stephen suffered spinal and leg fractures and was hospitalized for six days," said Novosad. "He had a rod surgically placed in his leg. He required two additional surgeries and months of physical therapy following the accident."

The lawsuit, filed in 2011, named Washington and the City of Chicago as defendants. It alleged that Washington was driving under the influence and failed to yield to pedestrians or slow his vehicle to prevent a collision. It also claimed vicarious liability, noting that the City was responsible for Washington's actions because he was an employee.

"Prior to trial, the defendants admitted they were at fault for Stephen's injuries," said Novosad. "Although Washington was drunk at time of accident, the judge ruled intoxication was not admissible because the defendants admitted liability and therefore Washington's conduct was not at issue. We were pleased that the jury understood the effects of Washington's reckless actions and feel justice was served."

"I am grateful that a group of ordinary citizens understood the pain that my family and I have gone through," said Dewart. "At the end of the trial, one of the jurors told me to 'Enjoy the rest of your life.' This was so indicative of the closure of this very difficult chapter."

"For over two years Stephen has been fighting to regain the life he had prior to this accident," said Powell. "We hope that this verdict will bring him some peace while helping him to move forward."

Levin & Perconti is a nationally renowned law firm concentrating in all types of personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Visit www.levinperconti.com.

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