Trial Magazine

Danielle Palagi rode her bicycle on a roadway next to Sucha Singh, who was operating a tractor-trailer for his employer, RAI Corp., LLC, under a contract with HUB Group Trucking, Inc. As Singh entered an intersection and attempted to turn right, a serrated metal step on the tractor’s passenger side struck Palagi, causing her to fall from her bicycle and into the path of the tractor’s rear tires.

Palagi suffered crush injuries to her lower right leg, which necessitated a below-the-knee amputation; a fractured right arm and pelvis; and road rash. Now 29, she has incurred medical expenses of approximately $173,200.

Palagi sued HUB Group Trucking and RAI Corp., alleging liability for Singh’s failure to keep a proper lookout when attempting to make the right turn. Suit did not claim lost income. 

The defense contended that Palagi should not have been riding directly next to the truck.

The parties settled for $17.5 million.

Citation: Palagi v. Singh, No. 2017 L 469 (Ill. Cir. Ct. Cook Cnty. Oct. 14, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Joseph A. Power Jr., AAJ member James I. Power, and Kurt Ensign, all of Chicago.