"GWC procures prompt policy limit settlement on behalf of fatally injured Postal Service employee and his family".

On Thursday, May 13, 2010, GWC partner Lawrence T. Ruder settled the wrongful death case of Trumagne Fleming, Special Administrator of the Estate of Stephen C. Fleming, deceased v. Jay Surati (Cook County Circuit Court No. 09L 14631), for the defendant's policy limit of $1,250,000. 

Stephen Fleming was a 20 year employee of the United States Postal Service who worked the night shift (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) out of the main facility at 433 West Harrison Street.  On November 6, 2009, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Mr. Fleming was walking to work on the south sidewalk of West Harrison Street.  At the intersection of Harrison and Financial, Mr. Fleming began to cross the street westbound.  The traffic control for northbound Financial was red and Mr. Fleming entered the street in the crosswalk with the"Walk" symbol illuminated in his direction.  He was struck by Defendant who was making a right turn on red to go eastbound onto Harrison Street.  He was rendered unconscious at the scene and remained in a coma until his death.

Stephen Fleming had no children and was never married.  He left behind his 70 year old mother and father, a 45 year old sister and a 50 year old brother. 

Policy limits were paid only five (5) months after suit was filed by GWC.  As is its custom, GWC was aggressive in the investigation of the case.  Trial counsel obtained City of Chicago Pod video footage that depicted important portions of the event.  Then, through networking with fellow postal workers and Stephen's union, the firm was able to uncover an eyewitness who had never been interviewed by the Chicago Police Department.  This witness - another postal worker who was on his way to the post office to begin his shift at the time of the incident - had seen the entire event.

This was a devastating loss for Stephen's family.  The only way we could possibly convey the depth of this loss was to produce a mini-documentary of Stephen's life, which included footage of interviews with family and friends.  The video was narrated by Robert Jordan, long-time anchor with WGN News; and was produced by Gera-Lind Kolarik of Evidence Video. Stephen's was a compelling and heartbreaking story that obviously had significant impact on the insurance carrier.