Corboy & Demetrio Obtains $8 Million Verdict for Family of Woman Killed on Shoulder of I-294

The Chicago law firm of Corboy & Demetrio has obtained a jury verdict of $8 million on behalf of the estate of a Homewood wife and mother who was fatally struck by a truck after she stood on the shoulder of I-294 to investigate her flat tire.  The case was tried in the courtroom of Judge William J. Haddad of the Cook County Circuit Court.

Corboy & Demetrio partner Philip “Flip” Corboy, Jr. represented the Estate of Stacey McHale, who had just pulled her car onto the shoulder of I-294 on Feb. 15, 2010, when she was hit by an 18-wheel semi tractor-trailer.  The $8 million verdict was against Transfreight, LLC; Kiswani Trucking, Inc.; and Russell A. Kleppe, the driver of the truck, all defendants in the lawsuit.

“We’re truly appreciative that the jurors did the right thing by finding the defendants responsible for the death of this young mother,” said Corboy.

With its verdict, jurors found that Kiswani and Kleppe were agents of Transfreight, and as a result all three defendants were liable for the death of McHale, who was 36 years old.

“This was an amazing mother with two amazing kids.  She was the glue of the family, and the jury saw what a profound loss her death has been,” said Corboy.  In addition to her husband Steven, Stacey left behind a daughter and son, now 12 and 16 years old.  Stacey coached her daughter’s soccer games and drove her son to hockey practices and games.

“With their verdict, jurors rejected Transfreight’s contention that while this was an accident, it wasn’t the corporation’s responsibility,” Corboy added.

Steven McHale, Special Administrator of the Estate of Stacey McHale, Deceased, v. Transfreight, LLC; Kiswani Trucking, Inc., and Russell A. Kleppe, No. 2010L2934F, Cook County Circuit Court.  Verdict delivered Mar. 22, 2013.