$16 Million Verdict Returned in Roofing Injury

A jury returned a $16 million verdict in a personal injury lawsuit where a roofer was severely injured when he came in contact with power lines as he was inspecting a roof. Partner Thomas Demetrio of Corboy & Demetrio represented the roofer.

A self-employed roofer went to an office building in Northbrook, Illinois, at the request of the owner to inspect a leaky roof and provide an estimate for repairing the flat roof. After talking to the owner, the roofer placed a ladder alongside the building. The owner’s son-in-law, who was outside, talked to the roofer and both men proceeded up the ladder onto the roof. The son-in-law pointed out the pool of water sitting near the chimney suggesting that it was the probable source of water leading into the building below. After a short discussion, the roofer started to pace off the roof for an estimate. The son-in-law walked toward the ladder with his back to the roofer when he suddenly heard an electrical noise and turned to see that the roofer had come in contact with uninsulated power lines and was burned. The fire department and paramedics were called and arrived a short time later. The roofer was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with severe electrical burns to his right knee and head. He was in the hospital for over a year. Married and the father of 5 children, he now lives at home with his family.

After a trial in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, the jury returned a verdict of $16 million which, due to plaintiff's comparative fault, was reduced to $10 million. The defendant appealed and the Appellate Court affirmed the verdict.

To consult with attorney Tom Demetrio, or any other personal injury lawyer at Corboy & Demetrio, call 312.346.3191. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.