Trial Magazine

Jeremy Dutton was driving a Freightliner tractor-trailer semi-truck on a highway when Benjamin Ray, driving a pickup truck owned by Foltz Welding, Ltd., allegedly took his eyes off the road and rear-ended Dutton’s truck. Dutton, 42, suffered neurological symptoms after the crash. Testing showed a cervical syrinx at C4-5, which led to fusion and decompression surgeries. He continues to suffer daily pain and has not returned to work. His medical expenses totaled approximately $147,200.

Dutton sued Foltz Welding, Ltd., alleging negligence. The defendant admitted negligence regarding the collision but denied causation for the plaintiff’s injury.

The jury awarded Dutton more than $12.2 million, including approximately $1 million in lost income.

Citation: Dutton v. Foltz Welding, Ltd., No. 2020 L 6 (Ill. Cir. Ct. Fayette Cnty. Apr. 26, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Brian L. Salvi, Rob L. Kohen, and Emily T. Art, all of Chicago.