Boy gets $650,000 for burns, wrist fracture in ATV accident

A company agreed to pay $650,000 to a boy who suffered second- and third-degree burns and a broken wrist in an all-terrrain vehicle accident. Bryan Donnals, then 6, was driving an ATV specially made for kids 6 to 10 years old, in a track built in the side yard of the family's residence in Farina. The ATV, which was distributed and sold by Vicoo Industry, suddenly began to accelerate. Bryan lost control and crashed into the residence. The ATV burst into flames. The Donnals' counsel claimed the ATV had a design defect, causing it to speed up to 30 mph unexpectedly. Defense counsel claimed Bryan was at fault for losing control of the vehicle. They argued Bryan's parents had a duty to supervise him, to ensure his safety while operating the ATV.

Donnals v. Vicoo Industry Inc.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District

Jury finds cardiovascular surgeon's treatment not negligent

A jury found that a cardiovascular surgeon was not negligent in waiting three days to reverse and ligate an arterial vascular site, which the patient claimed eventually led to the amputation of a hand. Robert Rollins, then 60, went to Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest for an arterial vascular access procedure, during which Dr. Subba Rao had to revise the arterial vascular site, which changed the blood flow to Rollins' right hand. In the recovery room, Rollins claimed he felt severe pain in the hand. He claimed Rao should have immediately reversed and ligated the site. Defense claimed the three-day wait met the standard of care, as the pain Rollins experienced often occurs after similar procedures, and often resolves by itself.

VIEW THE FULL CASE Rollins v. Advocate Health Centers Inc.
Cook County

Bar patron who argued glass thrown in face receives $17,500

A Chicago bar agreed to pay $17,500 to a patron who claimed a glass thrown in her face caused a nose injury that aggravated a pre-existing spinal fluid leak. Jessica Rosales, then in her 30s, was at Radiostar Sangria when she became engaged in an altercation with Rebecca Gomez. Rosales claimed Gomez was drunk and belligerent. She claimed Gomez threw her and her husband's coats on the floor. She claimed when she responded to her coat being thrown, Gomez threw the glass. A witness said Rosales started the altercation by pushing Gomez. Gomez claimed she had been asked by an employee to move the plaintiffs' coats, and when Rosales pushed her, Gomez lost her grip on a glass she had been holding, causing it to fly out of her hand and hit Rosales.

VIEW THE FULL CASE Rosales v. Gomez