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Oak Park Personal Injury Lawyers Making Headlines In Chicago, Illinois

Oak Park personal injury lawyers Coplan + Crane have been recognized in Chicago and throughout Illinois for their stellar work on some of the most complex personal injury cases. Our case results speak volumes. We have regularly recovered millions of dollars for clients seriously hurt in personal injury accidents. Contact Coplan + Crane and discover what we can do for you. Call (800) 394-6002 or (708) 358-8080 today to schedule a free case evaluation. The sooner you contact us, the sooner you can get your life back on track.

Partner Ben Crane Named to Crain’s Chicago Business 2025 Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys List

We’re proud to announce that founding partner Benjamin A. Crane has been named one of Crain’s Chicago Business’s 2025 Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys—a prestigious recognition of the attorneys shaping Chicago’s legal landscape today.

Ben’s selection reflects not just his results in the courtroom, but his leadership and impact across the legal profession. Since 2021, Ben has helped secure over $100 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of individuals and families harmed by negligence. These results reflect not only Ben’s skill as a trial lawyer, but his deep commitment to justice.

Crain’s list highlights 92 attorneys from across the city, chosen through a competitive nomination and editorial review process. Honorees were recognized for their success in complex litigation and for making an impact in the legal profession and their communities.

Congratulations, Ben, on this well-deserved honor!

Read the full list here: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/awards/notable-litigators-trial-attorneys-2025-chicago-area

Partner Ervin Nevitt Published in Ms. Magazine on Protecting Survivor Anonymity in Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Partner Ervin Nevitt recently published an op-ed titled “Justice on Their Terms: Empowering Plaintiffs Through Anonymity” in Ms. Magazine. The piece discusses the critical role of pseudonyms in lawsuits involving survivors of sexual abuse, emphasizing that the choice between justice and privacy should never be forced upon plaintiffs.

“The day that a survivor of sexual abuse files a lawsuit is a difficult and painful day, but also one that starts a journey toward justice,” Erv writes. He highlights how defense teams use calls for transparency as a tactic to force plaintiffs to file under their real names rather than a pseudonym. This strategy often increases legal costs, prolongs proceedings, and can pressure plaintiffs to withdraw their cases.

Ervin argues that the use of pseudonyms does not compromise legal integrity, as defendants are still provided with a plaintiff’s identity during litigation. Instead, anonymity safeguards survivors from harassment, retraumatization, and public scrutiny, particularly in today’s digital age.

The article examines the historical use of pseudonyms like “Jane Doe,” the legal precedent supporting anonymity, and recent high-profile case regarding this debate. For example, a judge ruled that the woman suing Sean “Diddy” Combs for sexual assault under the name “Jane Doe” had to reveal her identity. After she withdrew the lawsuit, Jay-Z called the woman’s lawsuit a “money grab,” reinforcing the stigma and hostility survivors face when speaking out against powerful men.

“Justice should never come at the expense of safety and potential retaliation. Allowing plaintiffs to use pseudonyms provides a vital pathway for survivors to pursue justice on their own terms,” Ervin writes. “The court’s commitment to fairness must balance open proceedings with the plaintiff’s right to privacy and protection from potential harm.”

To read the full article, visit Ms. Magazine here

Partner Erv Nevitt Selected as a 2024 Chicago Daily Law Bulletin 40 Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch

We are thrilled to announce that partner Erv Nevitt has been selected as one of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s 40 Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch in the 25th annual edition. 

This prestigious honor is a testament to Ervin’s dedication, talent, and commitment to the legal profession. With over 1,100 nominations, this year’s selection process was highly competitive. Erv was chosen among 39 other promising attorneys for their intelligence, passion, success in their respective firms, a desire to help the community, and – most importantly – fight for justice on behalf of their clients. 

“Erv is an extremely talented lawyer who is an impressive advocate for his clients. His dedication, work ethic, and passion for each and every client and case he works on is a great example to other lawyers of what we all should strive towards,” said one of Erv’s peer nominations for the award. “On top of being a true advocate for his clients, more importantly, he is a mentor to many other lawyers. Erv is the first to offer assistance, guidance, be a sounding board, or offer suggestions on cases or difficult situations.”

Another nominee wrote, “He is an accomplished trial lawyer, active in numerous professional organizations, and a leader in many of the committees he serves on. I have personally witnessed his work as a leader – and I can say, unequivocally, people follow his lead for who he is.”

This is Coplan + Crane’s 4th selection to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s Attorneys Under Forty to Watch list. Partners Ben Crane, Blake Vance, and Stephen Blecha have previously won the award.

Read more here

Coplan + Crane and Four Firm Attorneys Named to the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® 

We are proud to announce that Coplan + Crane and several of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. 

Since its inception in 1981 and partnership with U.S. News & World Report beginning in 2009, Best Lawyers has maintained its reputation for providing peer-reviewed rankings that highlight outstanding achievements in the legal profession. The Best Lawyers list is committed to “recognizing the outstanding achievements of legal professionals who have demonstrated unparalleled expertise and dedication in their fields.” Inclusion on this list is a testament to our dedication, expertise, and commitment to delivering outstanding legal services to our clients.

Coplan + Crane was awarded Metropolitan Tier 1 in Chicago for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs and Metropolitan Tier 2 in Chicago for Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs.

Partner Ben Crane was recognized for his exceptional work in Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs.

Of counsel Kevin G. Burke has been honored in the areas of Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs.

Partner Ervin Nevitt and associate Andrew J. Burkavage were named to the “Ones to Watch” category for their work in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. This category serves as recognition given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in their practice in America.

We are honored to be acknowledged in these categories and remain committed to advocating for our client’s rights. Congratulations to our attorneys and team for their hard work and dedication.

Read more here: https://www.bestlawyers.com/article/2025-best-lawyers-awards-31st-edition-best-lawyers-in-americ/6066

Partner Ervin Nevitt selected as a Member of the Public Justice Board

Coplan + Crane | Ervin Nevitt

Partner Ervin Nevitt has been selected to serve as a member of the Public Justice Board.

Public Justice is a national nonprofit legal advocacy organization that fights against injustice and aims to protect the public interest. They describe themselves as an “organization that takes on purveyors of corporate corruption, sexual abusers and harassers, and polluters who ravage the environment.” Erv was selected to be on the slate of new board members to serve a three-year term. He was sworn in at the Public Justice Board’s Annual Membership Meeting on July 22, 2024.

Erv’s appointment to the board underscores his dedication to righting systemic wrongs through legal challenges. It affirms his ongoing commitment to expanding access to justice, advancing civil rights, and safeguarding the liberties of all individuals. As a board member, Erv will help steer the organization’s strategic direction, ensuring that Public Justice continues its mission to combat pervasive threats and promote fair treatment for all individuals.

Beginning his legal career as a paralegal at Coplan + Crane in 2012, Erv worked his way up to become a partner by 2020, focusing on personal injury, mass tort litigation, and sexual harassment and assault cases. He is passionate about helping others, taking on challenging cases and securing tens of millions in verdicts and settlements for his clients. Erv has been recognized as a Rising Star of the Plaintiff Bar by the National Law Journal in 2024 and an Emerging Lawyer in Illinois. He actively mentors and educates attorneys and law students, presenting at numerous legal seminars and conventions.

To learn more about Public Justice’s work and its board members, you can visit their official website here.

Partner Erv Nevitt Listed in The 2024 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation

Coplan + Crane | Ervin Nevitt

Coplan + Crane partner Erv Nevitt has been selected to be a part of the 2024 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation list. Erv is recognized among the top up and coming litigators for his outstanding contributions and promising future in the Plaintiffs Mass Tort world.

This recognition highlights the future leaders of the law, showcasing the incredible promise and vision they bring to the legal profession as the next generation. Those honored with this recognition are selected through a rigorous process that includes journalistic reporting, peer nominations, and an in-depth review of lawyers and law practices.

We are grateful for all the legal professionals listed here who are forging a positive future for the legal world. Congratulations to Erv and all the honorees! Read more here: https://www.lawdragon.com/guides/2024-06-28-the-2024-lawdragon-500-x-the-next-generation

Partner Erv Nevitt Recipient of the Richard D. Hailey Distinguished Service Award

Coplan + Crane | Ervin Nevitt

Coplan + Crane partner Erv Nevitt has been named the 2024 recipient of the Richard D. Hailey Distinguished Service Award.

This American Association of Justice (AAJ) award recognizes members of the Board of Governors who during the past year have been of special assistance to the president of the association.

Erv is an incredibly active member of the AAJ, not only as a Board of Governors representative, but also serving on the Diversity Committee and as the past chair for the Minority Caucus.

His work in his personal practice and with AAJ showcases the association’s core values including promoting justice and fairness for injured persons, safeguarding victim’s rights, and strengthening the civil justice system.

We are proud of Erv for securing this prestigious recognition and look forward to see what other achievements he will accomplish in the future.

See more about this award and others here:

https://cd2.justice.org/membership/awards

Coplan + Crane Welcomes New Attorney David A. Axelrod

Coplan + Crane is pleased to announce that David A. Axelrod has joined the firm as an Of Counsel attorney. David, formerly the founder and senior partner of David A. Axelrod & Associates, P.C. in Chicago, brings over 41 years of trial experience and a proven track record of winning millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.

David is one of Chicago’s foremost trial attorneys and known for his comprehensive case preparation, which helps him handle a variety of complex cases. His focus areas include medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, professional negligence, and complicated commercial disputes. He has argued cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals, the Illinois Supreme Court, and the Illinois Appellate Courts. He has tried cases in state and district courts in Illinois, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and California.

Over his career, David has secured more than $100 million in compensation for his clients, including a record $31.35 million verdict comprised of $25 million in punitive damages in Marston v. Walgreen Company. Additional examples of David’s successes include an $11 million settlement in a failure to diagnose stroke, a structured settlement with lifetime payments exceeding $10 million in a medical malpractice case against a major hospital, and millions in complicated commercial litigation.

“I have long admired Coplan + Crane’s dedication to their clients, and I am excited to be part of a firm that consistently achieves outstanding results,” said Axelrod. “Joining this incredible team allows me to leverage my trial experience to support an already robust litigation practice.”

“David brings a wealth of knowledge and a remarkable history of success that will significantly benefit our clients,” said Coplan + Crane founding partner Ben Crane. “His trial skills and commitment to excellence align with our firm’s values, and we are thrilled to have him join our team.”

Outside the courtroom, David is a member of several professional organizations, including the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, and the Illinois State Bar Association. He has also been honored as an Illinois Leading Lawyer, as well as an Illinois Super Lawyer.

Chicago Tribune Article Features Coplan + Crane Client Misty Tiggs

Late last year, Coplan + Crane partners Ben Crane and Ervin Nevitt filed a lawsuit against Chicago-area property owner and management companies Chatham Commons Condo Association and PIP Management for the wrongful death of one of their tenants.

Rickisha King-Tiggs was a 25-year-old tenant of the complex who was shot and killed by neighboring tenant Eugene Arnold. For several years prior to her death, Rickisha was harassed and threatened on the premises by Arnold. The situation became dire for Rickisha in June 2022 when her harasser brutally attacked her. Despite herself, her mother, and other women at the property experiencing and reporting the harassment, their concerns were widely ignored, and the property owner and management companies did nothing to keep Rickisha safe. Unfortunately, Rickisha was killed by Arnold in October 2022. Had Chatham Commons Condo Association and PIP Management taken her concerns more seriously and worked to provide a safe living environment as promised, Rickisha could still be alive today.

Her mother, Misty, represented by Coplan + Crane, was recently featured by the Chicago Tribune. Misty remarked how her daughter “shined so bright”, and following her murder, she “couldn’t bring herself to live in the building on Drexel, and she couldn’t bear to stay with friends who had children.” Numerous systemic failures contributed to this tragic event, and as experts in premises liability, our firm is determined to ensure such a tragedy can never happen again.

Attorney Ben Crane said, “Safety for the people of Chicago is something we take very seriously. We look forward to bringing justice on behalf of Rickisha and Misty and hope this case prompts property management changes that ensure a safer city for all.”

Coplan + Crane Wins a $5.5 Million Verdict in Case against Chicago-area Hospital

In early May, the Coplan + Crane team of Ben Crane and Ted Jennings settled a case against a Chicago-area hospital in mediation for $5.5 million. Hospital errors are devastating for families and leave them with many unanswered questions. This case brings justice to a woman who lost her only daughter as a result of hospital negligence.

The case was filed because a blood test performed on a young patient awaiting a kidney transplant and starting dialysis to treat kidney disease revealed that the patient had virtually no circulating white blood cells, which put her at high risk for infection and rapid decompensation. Despite this ominous finding, the doctor on call did nothing to address this medical emergency. The standard of care required urgent referral to an emergency room. Instead, two and a half days later, the patient collapsed, and when she was rushed to the emergency room, she had advanced sepsis from an E. coli infection and was suffering from lactic acidosis, and shock liver. Tragically, she died within hours of her arrival in the ED. Had she been treated when the original lab report was available to her doctors, she would have survived with few, if any, complications.

Hospitals have a duty to care for patients and act on critical lab results to ensure they experience a smooth, quick recovery. In this case, the hospital failed to meet the minimum standard of care in treating their patient, and that negligence had deadly consequences

While tragic, the goal of this litigation was to bring a sense of peace to the patient’s family. Ben Crane remarked, “we are extremely pleased with this early settlement, as it allows our client to obtain compensation, closure, and justice swiftly and without having to go through the arduous trial process.” To learn more about Coplan + Crane’s medical malpractice and hospital error work, visit the website.

Partner Erv Nevitt Named Rising Star of the Plaintiff Bar by The National Law Journal

Coplan + Crane partner Erv Nevitt has been named a 2024 Rising Star of the Plaintiff Bar. Erv is one of just 31 lawyers nationally recognized with this honor.

The National Law Journal and Law.com issued award is given to attorneys under 40 years old who “are up-and-comers in the plaintiffs bar, already demonstrating their litigation prowess, service to the community, and/or impact on their firm.”

Erv is a cornerstone of the firm, having started his legal career at Coplan + Crane in 2012 as a paralegal before swiftly ascending to the role of associate upon graduating from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2014. His commitment to the law saw him rise to the position of partner by 2020. Erv specializes in an array of personal injury cases ranging from mass tort litigation to wrongful death claims. He is an active member of the American Association for Justice, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Cook County Bar Association, and is the Abuse Guardian’s attorney for Illinois.

Read more about the award here: https://www.law.com/nationallawjournal/2024/05/09/the-national-law-journal-announces-2024-elite-trial-lawyers-awards-finalists/

Benjamin A. Crane: The CTA is headed for more accidents and financial disaster

Benjamin A. Crane: The CTA is headed for more accidents and financial disaster – Chicago Tribune – Opinion – 1/12/24

November’s Yellow Line accident should raise more than a few alarm bells this year; it should accelerate the facilitation of much-needed changes to ensure passenger and employee safety.This catastrophic incident was the largest CTA crash in decades, causing substantial damage, injuries and numerous lawsuits against the agency. The time has come for CTA to take significant steps to prevent similar costly disasters in the future — disasters that hardworking Chicagoans ultimately foot the bill for.

The Yellow Line accident was a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in CTA’s operations. The accident resulted in extensive damage to the Yellow Line train and other CTA equipment, estimated at a staggering $8.7 million, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Furthermore, multiple lawsuits have been filed against the CTA in the aftermath of this tragic event, underscoring the financial consequences of such mishaps.Most importantly, the accident injured 38 people — 31 passengers and seven CTA employees. These individuals suffered physical and emotional trauma from a series of events that could have been avoided with better safety measures. As an attorney who has represented people in other train incidents, I have seen firsthand the numerous ways such scenarios could be avoided if only proactive steps had been taken.

The preliminary NTSB report on the Yellow Line incident highlights several critical points that must serve as a wake-up call for the CTA. The report indicates that the Yellow Line train was traveling at 54 mph when the operator received a stop command because a snowplow was less than half a mile ahead. Despite the operator’s best efforts to stop the train, it was still going at a significant speed of 27 mph at the time of the collision. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the CTA’s safety protocols, operator training and communication systems.

While it is commendable that the CTA operator followed protocol by remaining standing and appearing fully engaged, it is evident that more needs to be done to prevent such accidents from happening in the first place. The safety of CTA employees and passengers should be the top priority, and the CTA must invest in better technology, training and operational procedures to ensure their well-being.

To boot, public opinion regarding the CTA has suffered a significant blow in the wake of this accident. An unofficial survey conducted by WBEZ-FM 91.5 revealed that the majority of respondents either maintained their negative opinions of the CTA or saw their opinions worsen in the past year. Only a mere 20% felt that their perception of the CTA had improved. This indicates that the public has lost confidence in the agency’s ability to provide safe and reliable transportation services.In light of these troubling developments, the CTA must take immediate and substantial actions to avoid costly disasters such as the Yellow Line crash. These actions should include:

  • Safety enhancement. Install a train control system, as mandated by the NTSB, and implement rigorous safety measures, including advanced collision avoidance systems, to prevent accidents.
  • Employee training: Provide regular comprehensive training to CTA operators and employees to ensure they are well prepared to handle emergency situations effectively and implement better recruitment measures to increase staffing.
  • Communication: Enhance communication systems and protocols to enable prompt response to potential hazards and emergencies. Provide the public with real-time updates in the event of an emergency with clear, alternative routes to take.
  • Accountability: Hold individuals and departments accountable for safety lapses and ensure that corrective actions are swiftly taken. Establish a whistleblower hotline for CTA employees to confidentially report when safety measures are ignored.

    • Public outreach: Rebuild public trust through transparency, regular updates and proactive communication regarding safety improvements and operational changes. Invite members of the public to participate in open forums as to how the CTA can improve its operations.

    The consequences of November’s crash have been significant, both in terms of financial liability and damage to the agency’s reputation. It is incumbent upon the CTA to make substantial changes in its operations and safety protocols to prevent future disasters and regain the trust of the public it serves. Failure to do so could result in more accidents, more lawsuits and a continued decline in public confidence.The time for the CTA to act is now — not after the next accident.

    Benjamin A. Crane is a founding partner at the law firm of Coplan + Crane. Crane concentrates his practice in plaintiff’s personal injury law including cases arising from transportation negligence.

    Father of 6-year-old Palestinian American boy fatally stabbed in Plainfield Township files wrongful death lawsuit

    Chicago Sun-Times – Kade Heather – November 30, 2023

    The father of a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy who was stabbed to death in Plainfield Township has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the suspect, his wife and their property management company in connection with the boy’s death.

    Joseph Czuba, 71, the landlord of Hanan Shaheen and her son, Wadea Al-Fayoume, is accused of targeting the two because of their Muslim faith in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

    Prosecutors say Czuba went to Shaheen and Al-Fayoume’s home in the 16000 block of Lincoln Highway and attacked them with a knife, stabbing the boy 26 times, around 11:30 am Oct. 14. The boy was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, and his mother suffered serious injuries.

    Oday Al-Fayoume, Wadea’s father, filed a wrongful death lawsuit Nov. 21 in Will County court against Czuba and his wife, Mary Czuba, and their property management company, Discerning Property Management.

    “Justice comes in many forms… and there is, obviously, unbelievable loss in Wadea, but his mother was also seriously injured and we believe that there are avenues to recover compensation for what the family’s been through,” said Ben Crane, an attorney representing Oday Al-Fayoume.

    “This family has been through a whole lot and if there’s something this civil justice system can do to ease their burden, then we’ve got to figure that out,” Crane said. According to the lawsuit, they are seeking “an amount necessary to fully and fairly compensate the next of kin” under the Wrongful Death Act.

    Joseph Czuba is being held at the Will County Jail as he awaits trial on three counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery and two counts of committing a hate crime in relation to the attack. A hearing is scheduled for Friday in the criminal case.

    The Justice Department last month also opened a hate investigation into the attack, and the FBI office in Chicago has said it is working with Will County authorities.

    The lawsuit alleges that Mary Czuba texted Shaheen sometime before the attack about the Israel-Hamas conflict and about her husband’s “hatred of Muslims.”

    Three days before the attack, Joseph Czuba told his wife to inform Shaheen that he wanted her and her son out of their home, where they had lived for two years. He also told his wife he was afraid that Shaheen’s “Palestinian friends were going to harm them,” the lawsuit states.

    Prosecutors have alleged that Joseph Czuba was partially spurred by concerns he gathered from comments he heard about the Israel-Hamas war on conservative talk radio, becoming agitated by the Palestinian American tenants living in his home.

    The lawsuit claims Mary Czuba and Discerning Property Management “were indifferent and failed to recognize a threat and prevent serious bodily harm” to their tenants.

    Court records show no attorneys have filed to represent the Czubas or their property management company.

    A hearing was scheduled for March 11.

    Metra Announces Changes At Deadly Crossing At 87th And Pulaski

    At least two deadly crashes have taken place at the Metra crossing at 87th Street and Pulaski Road.

    CBS 2 Investigator Megan Hickey reported that Metra announced that the SouthWest Line crossing will be replaced. It comes after victims’ families called for an immediate fix.

    “This is something that Metra’s known for years,” said Ben Crane.

    Metra confirmed that the area was studied in 2017 and the Illinois Commerce Commission recommended several changes that would make the intersection less confusing for drivers.

    Three years later, Metra announced it is finally happening.

    “That they’re doing it speaks volumes,” Crane said. “This is a great day for railroad safety. This change this says a lot.”

    “This will protect other people from getting killed in that area,” Crane said. “This is a victory for safety in that neighborhood in the Southwest and South Side of Chicago.”

    The total project is expected to cost about $2.3 million, with about $350,000 coming from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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    Ben Crane Confirms Metra Knew For Years About Dangers of Crossing

    A man was killed while three others were injured when a Metra train collided with a car on the tracks in Hometown earlier this month.

    CBS 2 Investigator Megan Hickey spoke with a woman who claims Metra knew the intersection was dangerous years ago. She said Metra dragged its feet when it came to making a fix.

    “This is something that could have been stopped or could have been prevented,” said Jasmine Kemp.

    The video of this month’s crash was more than just startling for Jasmine Kemp. It was personal.

    In December 2015, her sister, 18-year-old Alexis Kemp and her cousin, 20-year-old Juniel Kemp, lost their lives in the very same spot along the Metra SouthWest Line track at 87th Street and Pulaski Road.

    The car they were riding in was caught on the tracks after the gate closed behind it.

    “That’s going to hurt for the rest of my life,” Kemp said.

    If the account sounds familiar, it’s because the circumstances are identical to the train crash on Feb. 12 that took the life of 19-year-old Christopher Davis.

    “They’re falling asleep at the switch,” said Ben Crane, who represents the Kemp family and other victims from the 2015 crash.

    He said Metra has been on alert about the confusing layout of the 87th and Pulaski crossing for years.

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    Coplan + Crane Camera Captures Chicago Metra Train Accident

    The Oak Park law firm of Coplan + Crane captured a train accident at a railroad crossing on video, using a camera they had set up months ago to show how dangerous the crossing is.

    The crash occurred at 87th Street and Pulaski Road in Chicago’s Scottsdale neighborhood on February 12, 2020, at around 7:30 p.m., leaving 4 people seriously injured, one fatally.

    Crane said a local business owner had given the firm permission to install a camera at the crossing late last year. The firm is collecting evidence as part of a pending lawsuit involving a fatal collision at the same location nearly five years ago. He said Wednesday’s crash was “virtually identical” to the 2015 accident that killed two Chicago women.

    “This should not happen,” he said. “This could have been prevented and they just keep letting it happen.”

    In the video, the crossing gate is shown coming down on the trunk of a Hyundai Elantra. The driver first appears to put the car in reverse, then accelerates forward, into the path of an oncoming train. The train strikes the car, which then struck 19-year old Christopher Davis, who was waiting to cross the street. Davis was pinned under the train.

    Metra spokesperson Meg Reile said the car’s driver, a 26-year-old woman, and her two female passengers, ages 23 and 28, were all seriously injured. Davis later died from his injuries.

    Crane emphasized that the crossing is extremely dangerous and called for changes to be made to increase the safety of drivers and pedestrians.

    “You can’t just put your head in the sand,” he said. “It’s going to happen again.”

    Additional Coverage:

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    $1 Million Settlement For Woman Hurt in U.S. 20 Crash

    A case involving a woman hurt in a crash on U.S. 20 in 2018 was settled for $1 million.

    On January 15, 2018, the 75-year-old woman was driving on U.S. 20 in Erin Township, IL. A 16-year-old girl was traveling in the opposite direction when she lost control of her car while driving through an icy curve, crossed the center line and crashed into the other woman’s car.

    The woman suffered two fractured wrists, a fractured femur, a fractured ankle and a shattered heel bone. A Stephenson County deputy sheriff who investigated the crash noted that it had snowed prior to the accident and that the roads were ”icy, slushy and slick.”

    Blake Vance of the law firm Coplan + Crane, which represented the injured woman, said the 16-year-old driver was solely responsible for causing the accident.

    “Liability was never an issue in this case,” said Vance. “While the roads were slippery that day, drivers have a responsibility to adapt to road conditions. The other driver was driving too fast and did not take proper actions to avoid a collision.”

    He said there were also witnesses to the crash.

    Vance said our client required surgery and will likely require additional procedures and physical therapy. He noted her medical bills amounted to more than $459,000.

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    $4.8 Million Verdict In Case Involving Man Fatally Shot By Security Guard

    A jury reached a verdict of $4.8 million in a case brought by the mother of a man fatally shot by a security guard at a Chicago Housing Authority complex in 2016.

    In the early hours of June 18, 2016, a 24-year-old man was attending a party at a housing complex in Chicago when four security guards with the Kates Detective & Security Services Agency pulled up. Shooting broke out soon after, leaving the man dead and two security guards wounded.

    The man had been shot twice in the back, according to court documents.

    The Kates Detective & Security Services Agency had been hired to provide security at the complex.

    In 2017, the mother of the man who was shot filed suit against the Kates Detective & Security Services Agency in Cook County Circuit Court.

    The defense argued that the security guards fired in self-defense. They claimed the man who was shot was the aggressor, engaging in a verbal and physical altercation with the guards before the shooting. Though the man did have a gun, he never fired it.

    The jury disagreed with the defense and found a guard responsible for the shooting.

    “The jury understood that there was no reason for what happened that night,” said attorney Ben Crane of Coplan + Crane, the law firm representing the man’s mother. “The negligent actions of the security guards led to this tragic loss of life.”

    Ben Crane tried the case with the assistance of attorney Ervin Nevitt.

    During trial, Nevitt said that licensing irregularities with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation were uncovered, and the jury agreed that the guard should not have been endorsed by Kates to be licensed as an armed security guard.

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    Ben Crane Speaks at Medical Malpractice Seminar

    Coplan + Crane partner Benjamin A. Crane will speak on jury selection at an upcoming medical malpractice seminar hosted by the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA).

    The ITLA is an organization consisting of over 2,000 Illinois attorneys who specialize in representing injured consumers and workers. ITLA’s mission is to fight for our system of checks and balances by protecting the rights of injured people, defending trial by jury and educating and training attorneys in the art of advocacy.

    The firm congratulates Mr. Crane on this opportunity to help educate other lawyers and advance the art of advocacy for injured patients throughout Illinois.

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    Coplan + Crane Recognized By Chicago Lawyer and Jury Verdict Reporter

    Coplan + Crane’s work was recognized in the 2018 JVR Settlements Report, produced by Chicago Lawyer and Jury Verdict Reporter.

    The report took into account more than $1.5 billion in settlements of cases throughout Illinois that were submitted between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. Only individual settlements of $500,000 or more were considered in the rankings.

    Coplan + Crane ranked #21 overall with settlements totaling $15,433,552. The bulk of that figure came from an $11,500,000 settlement in a case that we prosecuted in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois. The defendant was an insurance company that had acted in bad faith by refusing to settle a catastrophic motor vehicle accident claim for the $1 million policy limit.

    “If we allow that to persist, then insurance really means nothing and consumers are left without any protection,” said attorney Stephen M. Blecha following the resolution of that case.

    Three other significant settlements were also included in the $15.4 million figure.

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    Coplan + Crane Obtains $3 Million Settlement In Wrongful Death Case

    The family of a pregnant woman killed at an intersection in German Valley where a stop sign was missing has settled a wrongful death suit against Stephenson County for $3 million.

    A 32-year-old woman was driving to her doctor’s office for a prenatal checkup early one morning. When she drove through an intersection, she was struck by a car coming down the other road. She died as a result of her injuries soon after.

    She was supposed to have come to a stop at the intersection, but a storm the night before had blown off the stop sign. A resident who lives near the intersection had called 911 early that morning to report that the stop sign was missing. But the operator forgot about the call and took no action on it.

    Attorneys Ben Crane and Stephen Blecha of Coplan + Crane represented the family, along with Tim Mahoney of Mahoney & Mahoney.

    “It was absolutely clear that negligence led to the tragic death of this young mother,” attorney Ben Crane said. “We are pleased to reach a resolution that provides her family with compensation to help them move forward.”

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    Coplan + Crane Welcomes Attorney Kevin Burke

    Veteran medical malpractice attorney Kevin G. Burke has joined Coplan + Crane in an “of counsel” capacity. Attorney Burke has over 35 years of successful practice in Chicago and has recovered more than $600 million on behalf of clients.

    Burke was selected as one of the Top Ten Illinois Attorneys in Personal Injury Law each year from 2003-16, has lectured extensively on legal issues and has been an instructor at Notre Dame Law School. Founding partner Benjamin Crane said, “Kevin’s insight, experience and legal knowledge will be tremendous assets to our law firm.”

    Additional Coverage:

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    Coplan + Crane Attorney Honored With Amicus Volunteer Award

    Oak Park attorney Stephen M. Blecha of Coplan + Crane is one of the 2017 recipients of the William J. Harte Amicus Volunteer Award, presented by the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA).

    The award, named after a prominent Chicago lawyer, honors attorneys who have provided dedicated volunteer service in preparing legal briefs for the ITLA Amicus Curiae Committee.

    “I am honored to be named a recipient of the William J. Harte Amicus Volunteer Award,” said attorney Blecha. “The ITLA has a long and storied history of representing Illinois residents in their time of need, and I am glad to have the opportunity to volunteer my services on their behalf.”

    Founding partner Benjamin A. Crane praised attorney Blecha’s work.

    “Our firm is dedicated to representing people in some of the darkest moments of their lives, and Stephen is a devoted contributor to that mission,” said Crane. “We congratulate him on his accomplishments with the ITLA.”

    Attorney Blecha and the rest of the recipients were honored at the ITLA’s annual membership meeting on June 9 at the Westin River North, Chicago.

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    Historic $15 Million Verdict In Fatal Truck Accident Case

    Four years after a fatal truck accident in Rockford, IL, a jury has returned a historic $15 million verdict for the victim’s family.

    The case centered on a truck driver who appeared to fall asleep at the wheel moments before rear-ending the victim’s car at full speed, as revealed by a dash-cam video. Plaintiffs’ attorneys argued that their investigation found that the case was about much more than one tired driver. They claimed there was no culture of safety at the trucking company, and that the company’s pattern of lapses led to the fatal accident. The jury agreed.

    Attorneys Benjamin A. Crane, Stephen M. Blecha, and Blake M. Vance of Coplan + Crane represented the plaintiffs, along with co-counsel Darrin Doak.

    “While no verdict can ever truly compensate for the loss of a mother’s life, we believe that this decision will bring some degree of closure for the family,” attorney Crane said. “We effectively put the trucking company on trial and held them accountable for their failure to ensure that their drivers were safe, dependable operators. Our hope is that the verdict will make our roads safer and prevent other families from suffering as this one has.”

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    Ted C. Jennings Named Partner In Firm

    Founding partners Greg Coplan and Ben Crane are pleased to announce that Ted C. Jennings has been named partner in the firm.

    Mr. Jennings joined the firm in May 2016 with more than 20 years’ experience litigating complex cases, including medical malpractice and other catastrophic injury cases. He represents those who have been harmed by substandard medical care, product defects and dangerous trucking companies, as well as the families of those whose deaths were caused by wrongful conduct.

    Ted is a designated “Super Lawyer” in Illinois and has been elected by his peers as a “Leading Lawyer” in personal injury and medical malpractice. He is a member of the Society of Trial Lawyers, the elite, invitation-only group of top trial lawyers in the area. He understands and can explain in court the complicated medical issues in injury cases, and he has a developed network of medical and other experts to consult and testify on behalf of those injured.

    Ted knows that needless injury and death have a devastating impact on individuals and their families.  He listens to clients with genuine compassion and zealously advocates for them against insurance companies, big business and others. He provides advice and expertise in a straightforward way, and whether through trial or settlement, consistently works toward outcomes to help blunt the trauma of wrongful injuries and death.

    Among his professional activities, Ted is a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice and the American Bar Association. He graduated cum laude from The University of Minnesota Law School in 1994.

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    Coplan + Crane Partners Elected to American Board of Trial Advocates

    Attorneys Gregory F. Coplan and Benjamin A. Crane have been elected to membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). This national organization is dedicated to the preservation of a fair and impartial judiciary and the right to trial by jury. ABOTA membership is available by invitation only to “those trial lawyers of high personal character and honorable reputation” who have served as lead counsel in the requisite number of jury trials that have gone to verdict. The association was founded in 1957 by a group of young lawyers dedicated to the preservation of the civil jury trial. The organization notes it seeks attorneys “who display skill, civility and integrity, to help younger attorneys achieve a higher level of trial advocacy and to educate the public about the vital importance of the Seventh Amendment.”

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    Welcome Judge Clayton Jay Crane and Attorney Ted C. Jennings

    Judge Clayton Jay Crane joined our firm in May of 2016 as an Of Counsel attorney. Judge Crane served in the US Marines from 1968-1975, during which time he ascended to the rank of Platoon Sergeant in his military police unit. He graduated law school and began practicing in 1975, shortly after leaving the military. Judge Crane practiced as an attorney until 1996, when he was appointed Circuit Court Judge. He spent a year in Traffic Court before transferring to the Criminal Division at 26th & California. He joins Coplan+Crane after having recently retired as Judge.

    Attorney Ted C. Jennings also joined our ranks in May. He is a Super Lawyer with 20 years of litigation experience. He has tried a wide range of cases including medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, product defects and has represented families of those whose deaths were caused by wrongful conduct. He is a member of the Society of Trial Lawyers, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Associate, the American Associate for Justice and the American Bar Association.

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    Gregory F. Coplan discusses Rockford, Illinois fatal truck accident in news report

    Attorney Coplan recently discussed his work on WIFR News relating to a fatal truck accident on U.S. Route 20 in Rockford, Illinois.  Coplan represents the family of a woman killed in a rear-end tractor-trailer accident in which the truck driver appears to fall asleep in a dash-cam video of the accident.  “Whatever explanation there is, whether he is asleep, or drowsy, or not paying attention, the fact of the matter remains that Jenny Pivot is dead today because he didn’t slow down,” Coplan said during the news report.  A link to the television news story about the accident can be found here: http://www.wifr.com/home/headlines/Cause-of-Fatal-Truck-Accident-Debated-282217601.html

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    Gregory F. Coplan serves on faculty, as moderator at American Association For Justice

    Attorney Gregory F. Coplan recently participated in two separate American Association For Justice (AAJ) events held nationwide. In October 2015, Coplan served on the teaching faculty at AAJ’s three-day “Trial Advocacy College: Depositions” in Newport, Rhode Island. Then in February 2016, Coplan served as the moderator for the “Advocacy Track: Effective Deposition Strategies CLE Program” at AAJ’s Winter Convention in Boca Raton, FL. Information about the AAJ can be found here: https://www.justice.org/

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    Gregory F. Coplan featured speaker at Illinois trial lawyer’s seminar

    Attorney Coplan will speak at an upcoming seminar being held in Oak Brook, IL, concerning settlement negotiations, a topic he’s familiar with through his decades of work as a personal injury lawyer in the Oak Park-Chicago area. The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association will host the seminar entitled “Nuts & Bolts of a Case” on April 2. More information about the event can be found here: https://www.iltla.com/events/seminar-10/

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    Firm welcomes additional associate attorney

    Ervin Nevitt, sworn in on November 6th, becomes the firm’s third associate attorney. Ervin has been a Legal Admin with the firm since January of 2012.

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    Pam Zekman reports on fatigued truckers

    This report featured Attorney Greg Coplan and one of our firm’s current clients.

    http://chicago.cbslocal.com/video/10795520-truck-drivers-dozing-behind-the-wheel/

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    Ben Crane speaks to West Suburban Bar Association

    On Saturday, October 5, 2013, Ben Crane will be speaking to the West Suburban Bar Association. Ben’s presentation will focus on how to prepare demand packages and settle cases prior to filing a lawsuit. The handout for this presentation can be found by clicking the link below.

    2013-10-05 Ben Crane – PI Case Demand Package – WSBA Presentation w All Attachments pdf – Adobe Acrobat

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    Coplan + Crane Win FELA Appeal Against Metra – Goranowski v. Metra, 2013 IL App (1st) 121050.

    In August 2011, the railroad injury attorneys at Coplan + Crane represented a Metra employee in a trial against Metra. The employee prevailed at trial, and the jury returned a verdict for $272,000. Shortly thereafter, Metra appealed this jury verdict to the First District Illinois Appellate Court, asking the Court for a new trial. Specifically, Metra argued that the trial judge made a mistake in ruling on nuanced legal issue (a “special interrogatory”). The issue raised by Metra was an “issue of first impression,” meaning that the Illinois Appellate Courts and the Illinois Supreme Court had not previously addressed the issue. If Metra was successful on appeal, the original trial would have been for nothing, and a new trial would have taken place. Over the course of several months, Metra wrote briefs in support of its position, and the attorneys at Coplan + Crane responded. On June 6, 2013, the First District Illinois Appellate Court handed down the opinion in the case. The Court agreed with the arguments made by Coplan + Crane, and upheld the jury’s verdict.

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    News In Circuit Court: Coplan + Crane Obtains $5.6 Settlement for Client

    A Cook County judge approved a $5.6 million settlement for a 13-year-old quadriplegic boy injured in a 2008 car crash in Skokie. As a result of the accident, the boy has severely limited communication skills and relies on a ventilator to breathe. The family of the injured boy filed a lawsuit on May 27, 2009, against the driver of a sport utility vehicle that collided with a station wagon driven by the boy’s father. On Dec. 14, 2008, the boy was a passenger in the front seat of the station wagon when it was struck by the northbound SUV. The boy’s father was attempting to turn east onto Old Orchard Road from southbound Skokie Road when the accident occurred. Attorneys Gregory F. Coplan and Benjamin A. Crane, represented the boy’s family. The boy was paralyzed from the neck down. He uses a feeding tube and relies on a ventilator to breathe. The boy’s ability to communicate is limited to blinking and manipulating an adapted keyboard with his chin. The insurance defense lawyers decided to settle the case. They cited Illinois’ so-called One Percent Rule, which would have meant in this case that if a jury were to find the defendant one percent responsible for the accident, the defendant would have been held responsible for the entire amount of exposure. Under the settlement terms, the defendant’s insurance carrier would pay $5.5 million, while the carrier for the boy’s father would pay $100,000.

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    An Illinois Super Lawyer and Rising Star at Coplan + Crane

    Gregory F. Coplan has been named an Illinois Super Lawyer by his peers every year since 2009. Benjamin A. Crane has been selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers every year since 2008. Thousands of ballots were mailed to Illinois attorneys who were asked to vote for the best lawyers they had personally observed in action. Each candidate’s record was reviewed to assure good standing with the Supreme Court of Illinois. The attorneys under consideration were then reviewed by a blue ribbon panel. As an Illinois Super Lawyer and Rising Star, both Gregory F. Coplan and Benjamin A. Crane have been recognized by their peers as being outstanding in their profession.

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    Coplan + Crane Featured in October Chicago Lawyer Magazine

    Coplan + Crane is featured in the October Chicago Lawyer magazine’s “Largest Settlement Survey.” Each year, the Chicago Lawyer and the Jury Verdict Reporter come together and publish an annual listing of the largest settlements in Illinois. The top 15 results were reported to the Illinois Jury Verdict Reporter between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009.

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