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MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Man in coma for 16 days sues driver who struck him head on

Glisson

A man claims he incurred hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs after a collision that left him in a coma for 16 days.

Derek Landolt filed a lawsuit July 13 in Madison County Circuit Court against Matthew Beaver.

In his complaint, Landolt claims he drove his 1985 Ford Ranger north on Noel Road on Oct. 2 when Beaver, who drove a 2005 Ford F150 south on the same road, struck his vehicle head on.

"Defendant Matthew Beaver's vehicle came to rest on Plaintiff Derek Landolt's side of the roadway," the suit states. "Plaintiff's vehicle came to rest on the shoulder of his side of the roadway."

Because of the collision, Landolt endured surgery during which part of his skull was removed due to swelling of his brain, according to the complaint. He also has experienced persistent seizures, suffered great pain and mental anguish, endured disfigurement, suffered disability, lost his normal life and incurred medical costs between $300,000 and $500,000, the complaint says. In addition, he claims he lost wages and experienced property damages.

Landolt blames Beaver for causing the collision, saying he negligently drove on Landolt's side of the road, failed to keep his vehicle under proper control, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to stop in time to avoid a collision, failed to give a proper signal, failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision and drove without safe brakes.

In his complaint, Landolt is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Michael P. Glisson of Williamson, Webster, Falb and Glisson in Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-1003.

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