$600,000 Settlement for Improper Lookout in Commuter Train Crossing Injury

Sean Kleefeld, who was in his mid-40s, was leaving a commuter train and crossing a busy Chicago street in a crowd of other commuters. David Breese allegedly turned his vehicle onto the street, accelerated, fishtailed and hit Kleefeld, who suffered catastrophic injuries, including a compound fracture of his left femur and a fractured and dislocated right shoulder.

Kleefeld underwent surgery to place a titanium rod and other multiple screws and plates in his leg. He required months of physical therapy. His medical expenses totaled $275,000. In addition, Kleefeld missed eleven weeks from his job as a technology worker, where he earned approximately $105,000 per year.

Kleefeld, a marathon runner, was able to resume an active life. However, he sued Breese, alleging improper lookout.  Three eyewitnesses testified that although Kleefeld had been crossing in the middle of the street, it was the defendant Breese who was responsible for this incident.

Before trial, the parties settled for $600,000.  The Chicago attorney successfully handling this case for Kleefeld was Stephen L. Hoffman.

Kleefeld v. Breese, No. 19 L 1067 (Ill. Cir. Ct. Cook County, Ill., April 24, 2021).

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling automobile accident cases, pedestrian injury lawsuits, motorcycle accident lawsuits, spinal injury lawsuits, and traumatic brain injury lawsuits for individuals, families and loved ones who have been injured, harmed or killed by the carelessness or negligence of another for more than 45 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Oak Park, Arlington Heights, Lake Zurich, Wauconda, Vernon Hills, Zion, Downers Grove, Orland Park, Naperville, Aurora, Calumet City, Chicago (Back of the Yards, Fuller Park, Bronzeville, Grand Boulevard, Chinatown, Near South Side, East Pilsen, Gold Coast, Goose Island, Ukrainian Village, East Village, West Town, Bucktown, Belmont Cragin, Albany Park, Sauganash, Andersonville), Skokie, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Norridge, Cicero and South Holland, Ill.

Robert D. Kreisman has been an active member of the Illinois and Missouri bars since 1976.

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