County Board member Sharkey wins default judgment in personal injury suit

St. Clair County Board Member Kenneth Sharkey has won a default judgment against a fellow driver he claims hit him in March 2010.

St. Clair County Associate Judge Andrew Gleeson signed the order granting Sharkey the default judgment against Elaine Schuessler April 8.

Gleeson's order does not set the amount of damages awarded.

Sharkey sued Schuessler for damages in excess of $75,000 and other relief.

According to his complaint, Schuessler crossed the center lane of the road and hit Sharkey head-on when he was driving in Shiloh.

Schuessler has not answered the suit.

Sharkey moved for the default judgment April 5 citing the lack of answer from the defendant and her insurance company.

Gleeson also moved a status conference in the case to October.

Thomas Keefe III represents Sharkey.

Sharkey, a Democrat, represents part of Fairview Heights and Caseyville Township on the St. Clair County Board.

The case is St. Clair case number 10-L-582.