IDOT worker settles personal injury case avoiding trial

A personal injury suit involving an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) employee has settled for an undisclosed amount.

The settlement averts a Dec. 8 jury trial in Madison County.

Troy Turner filed the suit in August 2007 alleging he sustained "diverse and numerous injuries" on Oct. 18, 2005, when Jeongyun Huh collided with the rear of his IDOT vehicle on Interstate 55, one mile south of U.S. 40.

Turner was operating an IDOT safety vehicle providing security for other IDOT employees who were performing road maintenance on Interstate 55.

Turner had alleged Huh was negligent by failing to see and observe his vehicle when it could and should have been observed.

He also alleged Huh negligently and carelessly disregarded an IDOT safety vehicle and fell asleep while driving a motor vehicle.

Represented by Martin Mengarelli of Granite City, Turner alleged his injuries caused him to sustain pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages he otherwise would have earned had he not been injured.

Had the case proceeded to trial, Huh was planning to argue Turner failed to mark a lane closure in advance of the road work on the interstate.

Represented by Jane Unsell of East Alton, Huh was also expected to argue Turner negligently stopped his vehicle in traffic lanes on a high speed highway.

Madison County Associate Judge Ralph Mendelsohn signed off on the settlement, ordering each side to bear their own costs.

Turner was seeking damages in excess of $50,000, but less than $75,000.