A Cook County, Illinois jury recently awarded $104.6 million to a couple catastrophically injured in a limousine crash caused by the negligent design of a highway construction zone, the largest road-construction verdict in Illinois history.
After a four-week trial in which the couple were represented by Timothy J. Cavanagh, Michael J. Sorich, Jason Kroot and Chris Dietmann of Cavanagh Sorich Law Group, jurors found the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority responsible for failing to provide adequate warning signage and approving a dangerously designed construction zone along Interstate 90 near O’Hare International Airport. The 2016 crash left passenger Rob Rosa paralyzed from the neck down and caused severe injuries to his spouse, Michael Johnson. Another passenger was tragically killed.
Evidence at trial showed that the Tollway failed to install five of six required warning signs in the work zone and used a temporary barrier that didn’t meet national safety standards. As a result, the limousine driver was unable to navigate a sudden, sharp curve and struck the concrete barrier at high speed.
The jury awarded $80.5 million to Mr. Rosa for pain, suffering, and lifelong medical care, and $24.1 million to Mr. Johnson for past and future loss of companionship. Attorneys for the couple explained that the crash would never have happened if Tollway had followed proper safety procedures.
“If adequate signage had been in place, the driver would have been warned of the dangerous curve,” said attorney Timothy Cavanagh. “Even if the crash had occurred, proper barrier design would have prevented catastrophic injuries.”
The case of Johnson et al. v. Illinois State Toll Highway Authority stands as a landmark example of accountability for construction negligence and the importance of enforcing roadway safety standards.
Holding Negligent Contractors and Agencies Accountable
At Anzalone & Doyle Trial Lawyers, we see firsthand how preventable roadway and construction-zone hazards devastate families. Whether caused by poor design, lack of signage, defective barriers, or unsafe traffic control, these failures often result in catastrophic and life-changing injuries.
Our firm represents victims of:
- Catastrophic injuries and paralysis
- Wrongful death caused by unsafe road design
- Highway and construction-zone crashes
- Negligence by government agencies and contractors
- Commercial trucking and motor-vehicle collisions
We fight to ensure those responsible are held accountable, and that our clients receive the full compensation they deserve for their pain, suffering, and loss.
Contact Anzalone & Doyle Trial Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to negligent road or construction conditions, take back control of your life and contact Anzalone & Doyle Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation. We proudly represent clients across Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, and throughout Pennsylvania.
