Perica
Seymoure
A man who was accused of failing to engage emergency brakes in a van that rolled backward over his wife and killing her, has settled a lawsuit filed against him over the death.
"All of the plaintiff's claims against the defendant in the above captioned matter are dismissed with prejudice, and each of the parties shall bear its own costs and attorney's fees," states a notice in a case filed by Donna Miller, as special administrator of the estate of Judy Gray.
Miller claimed that Vernon Gray was in the backseat of a van when the van began to roll backwards on Jan. 31, 2010. Seeing the van in motion, Judy Gray ran toward it and attempted to jump in the driver's door to stop its reverse motion, according to the complaint. Instead, she was run over by the vehicle.
Vernon Gray was accused of failing to properly put the vehicle in park and failing to set the emergency brakes before he moved from the driver's seat.
The incident caused Judy Gray to sustain severe fractures to her pelvis and body and led to her death, the complaint said.
At the time of the incident, Judy Gray left behind her husband and a daughter and son.
Miller sought a judgment exceeding $50,000.
The case file does not indicate settlement terms.
Bob L. Perica of The Perica Law Firm in Wood River represented her.
Dominique N. Seymoure of Reed, Armstrong, Gorman Mudge and Morrissey represent the defense.
Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla is assigned to the case.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-121.