How a Negligent Indiana Construction Zone Led to a $37.7 Million Settlement
A Valparaiso man catastrophically injured in a poorly designed construction zone will receive a record-setting $37.7 million settlement, one of the largest pre-trial personal-injury settlements in Indiana history. The crash occurred in August 2020, when confusing and improperly placed traffic-control devices caused a vehicle to collide with his motorcycle inside the construction zone.
This result reflects both the severity of his injuries and the importance of enforcing safety standards that protect every driver on Indiana’s roads.
Case Overview
The construction zone where the crash occurred was described as dangerously disorganized and improperly set up, leaving drivers confused and disoriented. According to evidence presented by the legal team, the company responsible for the traffic-control setup failed to follow basic safety rules and later denied placing cones in the roadway, until police body-camera footage proved otherwise.
Key facts include:
- Injury: Catastrophic facial trauma resulting in permanent paralysis and the loss of an eye
- Victim: A commercial airline pilot at the time of the crash
- Cause: Negligently designed and improperly marked construction zone
- Outcome: $37.7 million pre-trial settlement to be received by client
- Significance: One of the largest pre-trial personal-injury settlement in Indiana history
The settlement provides long-term financial security and ensures the victim can access the medical care and support he will need for the rest of his life.
Attorney Statement
Speaking with WNDU, Attorney Otto Shragal emphasized the seriousness of the safety failures that led to the crash.
“These cones and the traffic control were 100% set up negligently and improperly. And when these rules are not followed, it is a guarantee that someone will be confused, and unfortunately this is the type of horrible event that can happen,” Shragal said.
Attorney Kenneth J. Allen also addressed the broader issue of weakened safety enforcement.
“Agencies that are supposed to enforce safety rules and regulations, like OSHA, have been gutted. They are a shadow of what they were once, so these rules and regulations regarding safety are voluntary,” Allen said.
Their statements reflect the firm’s long-standing commitment to accountability, public safety, and standing up for individuals harmed by the negligence of others.
The Human Impact
The crash left the victim with life-altering injuries. He shared how his injuries impact his life with WNDU,
“I lost an eye. I lost the ability to smile,” he said. “Think about that. I lost the ability to smile because my face is paralyzed.”
As a commercial pilot, he took safety seriously and trusted that others in positions of responsibility would do the same. The failure of the construction-zone contractor to follow basic safety protocols shattered that trust and changed his life forever.
A Case That Drew Regional Attention
The settlement was widely reported by WNDU and other regional news outlets, underscoring the significance of the case and the public-safety issues it exposed. The coverage highlighted:
- The negligent setup of the construction zone
- The company’s initial denial of responsibility
- The role of police body-camera footage in revealing the truth
- The life-changing injuries suffered by the victim
- The historic size of the settlement
This case serves as a reminder that safety rules exist for a reason and when they are ignored, the consequences can be devastating.
Our Commitment to Injured Clients
Allen Law Group has decades of experience handling construction-zone injury cases across Indiana and Illinois. Our attorneys understand the regulations, the safety standards, and the investigative steps required to hold negligent companies accountable.
You do not have to navigate the aftermath of a construction-zone crash alone. Our team is ready to:
- Answer your questions
- Explain your legal rights
- Investigate your claim
- Preserve critical evidence
- Pursue the compensation you deserve
We offer free consultations, and you pay no fees until we win your case.
Allen Law Group proudly serves clients throughout Indiana and Chicagoland, including Valparaiso, Chesterton, Chicago and surrounding communities. Contact our team today.
*Each matter is different so that past results are not predictive of future outcomes.
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