Two black cows violated 'Animals Running at Large' law, suit claims

A Wilsonville woman is suing two men she says allowed cows to roam onto a highway which caused a crash.

Kathleen Cox filed a lawsuit July 2 in Madison County Circuit Court against Lyle Heinrichs and Eric Heinrichs.

The crash happened June 16, 2012 on Route 138 in Macoupin County, according to the complaint. Cox says she was driving east on Route 138 near the intersection with Dorchester Road when she collided with two black cows walking in the road.

Cox claims the cows were part of a herd owned by Lyle Henrichs and kept on Eric Heinrichs' nearby farm. She says the animals had "escaped their enclosure and were 'running at large' on Route 138" - a violation of the Illinois law commonly referred to as the Domestic Animals Running at Large Act.

Cox contends the Heinrichs have admitted liability for the crash and the subsequent injuries to the driver. She asks for more than $100,000 in damages for medical expenses, disability, pain and suffering.

Attorney James E. Gorman of Edwardsville represents Cox.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-1108