In Circuit Court

A man who suffered severe shoulder and neck pain and ultimately lost his job as a result of a traffic accident in November 2003 will receive $1.4 million to cover medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering, his attorneys said. Antonio M. Romanucci and Stephan D. Blandin, of Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, a Chicago personal injury firm, represented the plaintiff, Donald Balzano. Retired Circuit Court Judge, Joseph Casciato, mediated the settlement.

The case was settled today in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Donald Balzano and Michelle Balzano v. Takagi Industrial Co.USA and Kevin Polka, No. 05L11999.

Balzano was injured when the car he was driving was struck by a truck driven by Kevin Polka, who was employed by Takagi Industrial Co. The accident took place on the morning of November 4 at the intersection of Dempster Avenue and South Linneman Road in Mount Prospect. Balzano was treated on the scene by paramedics for a cervical strain, right ankle sprain and a left clavicle fracture.

Balzano subsequently underwent a physical therapy program for his injuries which met with limited success. He lost his job at R&M Trucking in March 2004 because he was unable to lift more than 20 pounds, a requirement of his employment. He underwent surgery in August 2006 at Loyola Medical Center to repair a torn rotator cuff. To date, his injuries still have not healed, and he is unable to find gainful employment where he could earn the same amount he was making at the trucking company.

Significantly, Takagi’s insurer, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., paid its policy limits of $1.0 million and defendant Takagi, itself, paid the excess settlement of $400,000 out of its own corporate coffers to avoid a trial.

“Mr. Balzano was the unfortunate victim of an accident that happened through no fault of his own,” said Romanucci. “This settlement will enable him to provide for his family and receive the continued physical therapy he needs.”