Vogel
The state of Illinois has filed suit against the driver who it claims struck one of its employees in a collision, causing it to dole out workers' compensation benefits of more than $180,000.
In its complaint, the state of Illinois alleges its employee, Brad Grotefendt, was driving ahead of defendant P. Anita Rittenberry at the intersection of Edwardsville Road and North Ninth Street when Rittenberry struck Grotefendt's vehicle.
Because of the collision, the state of Illinois was forced to pay Grotefendt $182,474.26 in workers' compensation benefits, according to the complaint filed Sept. 20 in Madison County Circuit Court.
Rittenberry negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep a safe space between her vehicle and Grotefendt's and failed to reduce her speed to avoid a collision, the suit states.
In its complaint, the state is seeking the money it says it paid to Grotefendt, plus court costs.
Assistant Attorney General Thomas C. Soraghan of the Metro East Illinois Regional Office in Belleville will be representing the state.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-1508.