Romanucci & Blandin secures record $9.05 million verdict for a man injured due to the negligent actions of Commonwealth Edison

CHICAGO (August 10, 2023) – Romanucci & Blandin, LLC announces Partner Bruno R. Marasso and others secured a record-high McHenry County, Illinois plaintiffs’ verdict in favor of their clients against Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) in the amount of $9.05 million. The injured plaintiff, Andrew Farley from Lake in the Hills, Illinois, claimed that unbeknownst to him, ComEd had damaged a bike path on which he was riding his bicycle in November 2016. ComEd field personnel had parked their utility trucks on the bike path near Miller Road and Lakewood Road in Lake in the Hills during a pole swap-out project where they lifted the utility poles into place, inadvertently demolishing the path beneath them. Mr. Farley was riding his bicycle on the path, hit the damaged asphalt, was ejected over the handlebars of his bicycle, hit his head, and suffered a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). He was hospitalized for five days and has undergone years of psychological treatment since the injury. The injured plaintiff claimed the mild TBI aggravated prior cognitive, social, and emotional deficits caused by his pre-existing conditions of Chron’s disease, hypertension, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The case, pending in the Circuit Court of McHenry County, resulted in a jury verdict on August 9, 2023 reached by Partners Bruno R. Marasso and others.

The only defendant in the case was Commonwealth Edison Company, against whom Plaintiff plead a legal count of negligence.

“We are very proud to have obtained this verdict for the Farley family after the debilitating emotional distress this man experienced after this bike crash,” said Partner Bruno R. Marasso. “ComEd had the duty to leave that bike path in a safe condition for the public who had the freedom to use that path. Because of ComEd’s negligent actions, Mr. Farley will never have the same cognitive, emotional, and social abilities as he did before this incident, and we are honored that twelve jurors recognized ComEd’s improper actions and provided justice to Andrew and his wife.” 

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About Romanucci & Blandin, LLC

Romanucci & Blandin is a Chicago-based national trial practice committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse and wrongful death. For 25 years, we have secured more than $850 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients - many for millions of dollars and others record-setting awards.  Our experience ranges from mass shootings, civil rights and police misconduct to medical malpractice, sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents or workplace injury cases involving individual or institutional negligence. Romanucci & Blandin is a valuable legal resource to individuals and groups of people who have been injured by others’ wrongdoing. Referring attorneys and clients say several factors differentiate our firm: Our record of success, depth of experience, talented and dedicated legal team, tireless preparation and strategic use of communications to fight for the rights of those whose lives have been changed forever. We are different from other personal injury firms in that our work does not stop when a verdict or settlement is secured.  We are often inspired by our clients’ experiences and commit resources to create change in our communities. For more information about Romanucci & Blandin, please visit www.rblaw.net or call (312) 458-1000.