An Illinois appellate court has upheld a $922K jury verdict against the City of Loves Park, affirming a victory for a woman who was seriously injured after tripping on a long-deteriorated curb and was represented by the attorneys at Coplan + Crane.
The resident, Ingrid Gardner, who was 79 at the time, was frustrated by a crumbling curb leading to their driveway and reached out to Loves Park city authorities for help. However, the request for action fell on deaf ears as the city’s initial repairs proved shockingly inadequate.
This negligence led to a catastrophic incident in 2016 that left Ingrid with severe and permanent injuries, forever altering their life. The incident resulted in extensive hospital stays, various medical procedures, ongoing nursing care, intensive rehabilitation, and many related treatments.
In 2023, a jury awarded Ingrid $922,227.71 in damages, which the city of Loves Park appealed. However, the Fourth District Appellate Court rejected the city’s attempt to overturn the verdict. Evidence showed the curb had been damaged for years, the city was aware of the hazard, and a partial asphalt patch failed to make the area safe.
“Coplan + Crane is pleased that the Appellate Court upheld the rulings of the Honorable Lisa Fabiano. Ingrid was both overjoyed and relieved upon hearing the news, as she was eagerly awaiting the resolution of this litigation,” said Blake Vance, attorney at Coplan + Crane who represented Ingrid. “We hope that municipalities will now prioritize the well-being of their residents through proper maintenance of city property.”
Following the appellate court’s decision, the plaintiff will receive $1,049,570.93, increased by over two years of accrued interest.
Read more about this win here: https://www.lawyerport.com/chicagolawbulletin/panel-affirms-922k-judgment-for-plaintiff-who-tripped-on-curb-20260106
