EDWARDSVILLE — A couple claims a Centralia attorney who represented them in their auto collision lawsuit kept the settlement funds and left Illinois.
Denise Lueking and Valjean Lueking filed a complaint July 13 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Jack Parker, alleging violation of duty.
According to the complaint, the Luekings claim they suffered injuries in an auto collision in Clinton County on July 13, 2015. They retained Parker to represent them in their suit against driver Julia Bumgarner (17-L-19). Parker was allegedly licensed and to practice law in Illinois and was doing business at 830 E. Noleman Street in Centralia.
The plaintiffs allegedly settled the case on March 3, 2017 for $25,000, which was Bumgarner’s policy limit. Parker allegedly received the check for $25,000 on March 16, 2017 according to a letter to Progressive Insurance.
“Though frequently demanded, defendant Parker has refused to account to plaintiffs for that $25,000 nor to distribute to them or for them any part thereof,” the suit states.
The plaintiffs claim Parker then left Illinois without notifying them or providing a forwarding address. He was allegedly located in Natchez, Miss. on June 8.
The Luekings allege Parker has violated his duty in the attorney/client relationship by failing to account for their proceeds, failing to deliver the proceeds of the settlement and converting “to his own use the settlement proceeds.” They also allege Parker failed to protect their rights to make an uninsured claim against their insurance carrier.
“But for the defendant’s violation of his duty to plaintiffs, they would have received compensation for their injuries that they suffered in the automobile collision,” the suit states.
The Luekings seek a judgment in their favor in the amount of $100,000, plus court costs and all other relief the court deems just.
They are represented by George Ripplinger of Ripplinger & Zimmer LLC in Belleville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 20-L-970