Clifford Law Offices Obtains $500,000 Verdict in Bloomington

Two partners at Clifford Law Offices in Chicago received a $500,000 verdict late Wednesday afternoon following a three-day trial in Bloomington, Illinois, that involved injuries to a 29-year-old woman who was involved in a car accident.

Jeffrey J. Kroll and Michael S. Krzak of the nationally renowned personal injury firm based in Chicago obtained the verdict on behalf of Rosie G. Sanfelice of Chicago. At the time of the accident, which was Aug. 20, 2001, she was a graduate student at Illinois State University. She was involved in a collision when she driving down Locust Street and another car pulled out of a university parking lot striking the rear of Sanfelice’s car.

Sanfelice suffered serious left knee injuries which had to be surgically repaired. The jury deliberated four hours before rendering its decision.

"This case should have been settled early in this litigation. The liability of the defendant was clear and the injury to Ms. Sanfelice was completely avoidable," Krzak said after the verdict. "We hope that this verdict sends a clear message to drivers around the state that they must exercise extreme precaution even when in parking lots."

The verdict is believed to be a record in McLean County for such an injury.