News
Rear-End Car Crash Settled
Our client, a DCFS worker in Lake County, reached a $950,000.00 settlement with a trucking company for an accident that occurred on January 20, 2006. Our client was rear-ended by a tractor trailer while driving his vehicle in Lake County. Neither vehicle required repair. The clientsuffered injuries to his lumbar spine which caused him to endure physical therapy, epidural injections and, eventually, a lumbar fusion. The parties agreed to enter into non-binding mediation, and Steven J. Morton & Associates were successful in obtaining $950,000.00 of the $1,000,000.00 insurance policy. Plaintiffs attorneys were also successful in getting the workers compensation lien waived as part of the settlement.
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Policy Limits Obtained in Major Car Crash Case
On June 26, 2007, our client was driving his car in Niles, IL. when it was t-boned by a driver who ran a red light, resulting in severe property damamge to both vehicles. Our client suffered soft-tissue back injuries, multiple broken ribs, and internal organ injuries. Defendant contended that the internal organ injuries were unrelated to the crash, and after deposing our clients treating physicians, we were able to prove the relation between the crash and all injuries. Defendant then offered the insurance policy limits of $100,000.00 to settle the case.
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Chase Case Settled
Steven J. Morton & Associates were recently able to settle a case against the Chicago Police Department for an accident that arose from an illegal pursuit. Two Chicago Police officers initiated and continued the illegal chase of a vehicle, which then crashed into the car our client was traveling in. Our client, a 17 year old girl, was thrown from the vehicle and suffered severe brain injuries. Following four years of litigation, we were able to obtain a $3 million dollar settlement for our client following mediation.
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Slip and Fall Claim Settled for Policy Limits
Our client had left her apartment this winter and slipped on the icy, unmaintained common area walkway. She sustained major injuries as a result of her fall. Her landlord had been advised of the condition for quite some time, and Steven J. Morton & Associates were able to obtin the full value of the homeowners insurance policy for our client.
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Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Settled
Following the amputation of a clients leg due to the negligence of a local hospital, Steven J. Morton & Associates filed a medical malpractice lawsuit on his behalf. The client, a diabetic, had presented to the hospital with foot sores, and was released without proper care. Days later, the sores had engulfed his foot, causing it to become gangrenous and necessitating a below-the-knee amputation. After the filing of the lawsuit, Steven J. Morton & Associates were able to facilitate a settlement of $1,450,000.00, while avoiding the time and cost associated with trial.
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"Dash-Out" Claim Settled for Policy Limits
In representing the mother of a six year old boy, Steven J. Morton & Associates were recently able to bring a prompt conclusion to a tragic claim. The boy, who was playing with his brother outside, was struck by an out-of-control motorist and caused to suffer severe internal injuries. After issuing a demand for the policy limits of the driver, the insurance company promptly paid the policy of $100,000.00.
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Construction Site Accident Settlement
A settlement was reached with defendants in a construction-site accident resulting from a worker falling from a construction wall with improper harness tie-ons. Our client, who suffered multiple spinal fractures and brain damage, was awarded $2,400,000.00 in settlement, not including a workers compensation award of over $200,000.00.
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Verdict for Plaintiff Returned
A client who suffered a debilitating knee injury, resulting in the necessity of a full knee replacement, was awarded $900,000.00 by a jury. The client, a department store worker in her mid-thirties, was struck by portions of a shelf that fell due to faulty design. The shelf manufacturer admitted liabilty and agreed to high/low limits of a verdict. The $900,000.00 payment was the high of said agreement, and did not include benefits the Plaintiff received under workers compensation.
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Workers Compensation Settlement
Steven J. Morton & Associates, Ltd. recently settled a workers compensation claim for $40,000.00. The client, who suffered a torn knee ligament resulting from an on-the-job injury, was able to fully return to work, with his resulting medical bills paid and his lost time compensated for. Steven J. Morton & Associates were able to negotiate this settlement at the maximum allowable rate a mere five months following the accident, without the need to continue to arbitration before the Illinois Industrial Commission.
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Non-Surgery Back Injury Claim Settled in Arbitration
Steven J. Morton & Associates, Ltd. brought a lawsuit to a successful close following a non-binding mediation between the parties. The lawsuit, which was filed in May 2005, resulted from the clients involvement in a motor vehicle accident which occurred while he was working. Following the mediation, the parties were able to agree on a settlement of $75,000.00. Because the accident occurred while the Plaintiff was working Steven J. Morton & Associates were also able to obtain a workers compensation settlement of over $13,000.00 in addition to the third party settlement.
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Wrongful Death Suit Successfully Resolved
The family of an elderly gentleman who suffered a brain hemorrhage and death resulting from a motor vehicle accident, was able to settle the claim on the eve of trial. Difficult litigation and the denial of the claim on liability and causation of injury defenses preceded mediation between the parties. Steven J. Morton & Associates, Ltd. was able to negotiate a settlement of $850,000.00 - just under the available insurance policy limits - for the decedents family.
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Jury Returns Verdict for Plaintiff
In a lawsuit resulting from a bizarre accident, Steven J. Morton & Associates proceeded to trial and judgment against the Defendant, with the jury returning a verdict for the amount requested of over $185,000.00 in less than 30 minutes. While working a promotions stand in a suburban restaurant, Plaintiff was struck by a vehicle which crashed through the restaurant wall, causing her to suffer multiple bulging discs. The insurance carrier refused to offer the policy limits of $100,000.00, Steven J. Morton & Associates continued to trial, obtained judgment against the Defendant in excess of the insurance coverage, and forced the insurance company to pay the entire verdict.
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Nursing Home Negligence Results in Settlement for Plaintiff
Representing the family of a gentleman who passed away while under the care of a local nursing home, Steven J. Morton & Associates were able to settle the case for a small reduction of the available insurance policy. While under the care of the nursing, the diabetic decedent Plaintiff suffered hypoglycemic shock, and in an attempt to raise his blood sugar, a nursing home staff member poured over 8 packets of sugar into decedents throat, effectively choking him to death. After nearly three years of arduous pre-litigation and litigation, Steven J. Morton & Associates obtained a settlement of $445,000.00 for the family of the deceased.
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