Horwitz WIns Highest Verdict in Illinois History and 2nd Highest Verdict in U.S. History

Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers – Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

Union Ironworker Rightfully Compensated

Bayer was a union ironworker from local 393 who fell head first 15-20 feet from a beam. Bayer suffered a C1 burst fracture, C7 dislocation fracture and C6 spinal cord injury. Bayer requires non-stop nursing care and lives with chronic pain. Bayer lost the functional use of his hands and complete use of his body from the chest- down.
Clifford Horwitz, stated, “It was an honor and a privilege to represent Ron Bayer. Ron was known to his friends and co-workers as a hardworking, diligent and cautious union ironworker, before his life was shattered as a result of Panduit’s alleged carelessness.”
Defendants argued that Ron Bayer should never have fallen. They claimed he fell because he chose to exit his man basket, placing himself at great risk. The jury rejected defendant’s argument and adopted Horwitz and Luchsinger’s argument that the man basket was not designed to do this type of work. Horwitz proved that work from the man basket violated the tip-over warnings on the basket, thereby placing everyone at risk.
Defendants further argued that the plaintiff fell because he improperly disconnected from the man basket. They claim he should have kept his retractable lanyard attached to at least some part of the basket or some other object.  Horwitz and Luchsinger demonstrated the fallacy of their argument by calling the manufacturer of the retractable lanyard to the stand. He testified that the horizontal use of this retractable lanyard was a misuse of their product. Using the product in this fashion created swing hazards and hazards of lanyard fracture. Furthermore the load imparted on the basket based on the angle of the basket could result in a tip over of the basket. Horwitz and Luchsinger utilized products liability theory in order to justify the conduct of Mr. Bayer.
Horwitz and Luchsinger further presented evidence that the defendant, Panduit, ignored it’s job site safety rules which required stanchions and cables to be placed on the beams so that the ironworkers could tie off while walking the beams. The jury agreed with Horwitz and Luchsinger.
Finally, the defendant argued that they were just an owner and not in charge of the work.  Horwitz and Luchsinger demonstrated that they maintained substantial control over the work but then ignored safety.
“Panduit was represented by one of the largest insurance carriers in the country, with virtually unlimited resources and highly skilled attorneys. But after carefully reviewing all the evidence, the jury recognized that Panduit maintained an unsafe jobsite in violation of OSHA regulations, ANSI safety standards, and internal safety rules. As a result, Ron suffered horrifying injuries, including quadriplegia and a traumatic brain injury with many complications.”
demonstrated the fallacy of defendants attempt to minimize Ron’s injury. The defendant argued that Carter was asking for too much medical care. They claimed Ron had a good recovery and was self-sufficient in many areas. The jury rejected that argument also.
Trial attorney explained, “The jury heard four weeks worth of evidence and heard from seven different doctors and two PhD’s about Ron’s up to $30 million dollars’ worth of care, which he will need throughout his life. He suffered severe spinal cord and brain injuries and the results of this case prove that the system works. Twelve people from different walks of life came to a determination that this man should be fully taken care of and he should receive complete compensation for his injury.”
“No amount of money could possibly compensate this man for what he has been through and what is in store for him over the remainder of his life. Ron’s past and future medical bills alone could reach approximately $30 million. The defendant argued that these would cost no more than $8 million.”
“While money alone can never make him whole, it’s reassuring to know that the jury’s verdict will enable Ron to obtain the quality medical treatment he will require over the remainder of his life.”
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates invites you for a free telephone or in person consultation to discuss your injury and any questions you may have. You can also email us or even speak with us right now on LiveChat, located in the lower right corner of the screen. Even if you do not wish to retain an attorney, we can set you on the right path for free. Most of our lawyers have more than 30 years of experience and we have an outstanding track record in helping our clients and creating a strong trust relationship, as you can see in our Success Record. Please call our Chicago office at (312) 372-8822, or our Joliet office at (815) 723-8822, or you can call our toll free number at (800) 594-7433.