Construction
Indiana Man Gets $37M Pre-trial Settlement in Construction Crash
2024-12-13
An incident that shook the community of northwest Indiana took place on August 26, 2020, along U.S. 30 in Valparaiso. Brad Detert, a 37-year-old individual, found himself in a life-altering situation when he was severely injured in a construction zone crash. His attorney alleges that those responsible for the road construction work failed to comply with state and federal signage and safety requirements.

A Northwest Indiana Man's Triumph over Construction Zone Tragedy

Primary Defendant's Negligence

Traffic Control Specialists Inc. was identified as the primary defendant. It was accused of not following state and federal standards for safely directing traffic in the construction zone. This led to motorists being confused and a disoriented driver crashing into Brad Detert, who was riding a motorcycle. His serious injuries were a direct result of this negligence.

According to Allen Law Group attorney Otto Shragal, who represented Detert along with Kenneth J. Allen, "TCS had a legal duty to follow these safety standards. By failing to do so, motorists were foreseeably put in a dangerous situation, and Mr. Detert's life was forever changed."

Before the crash, Detert had a successful career as an airline pilot and flight instructor. The impact of this accident was profound, not only on his physical well-being but also on his future.

The Significance of the Settlement

This pretrial personal injury settlement of more than $37 million is a significant milestone. It is the largest reported settlement in Indiana to date, according to prosecutors. Shragal stated, "While we've achieved many victories in the past, some even larger, this settlement allows Brad to move forward without the need for a lengthy and uncertain jury trial and appeals process. It will make a substantial difference in his life and we are delighted to have reached this outcome for him."

The settlement not only provides financial relief but also offers a sense of justice. It holds those responsible for the construction zone safety violations accountable for their actions.

Brad Detert's story serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety standards in construction zones and the potential consequences of negligence. It is a tale of resilience and the power of the legal system to seek justice for the injured.

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