A compromise was recently reached in a wrongful death lawsuit, with the judge approving a $425,000 settlement.

Leon Robinson, 58, died in a June 23, 1999, traffic accident on U.S. 30 after the pickup he was driving ran into the rear of a semi tractor/trailer driven by Dale Moran of Mississippi.

According to police reports at the time of the accident, Moran was moving slowly westbound on U.S. 30 after pulling out from the area of Safe-Way Door. A witness reported seeing other semis passing Moran prior to Robinson's impact with Moran's rig.

Moran told police he saw Robinson's pickup but thought it was a safe distance away when he pulled out. Moran was in third gear when the 18-wheeler was struck from behind. Police said it appeared that Robinson made no attempt to slow down or swerve prior to impact.

Distribution of the settlement is as follows: $154,571.22 to the law firm of Ladendorf & Ladendorf (which is less than the 40 percent fee detailed in an attorney/client contract); $18,824.78 reimbursement to Ladendorf & Ladendorf for expenses incurred in the investigation and litigation of the wrongful death action; $6,604 to State Farm Insurance Co., as subrogor of property damage and medical payments; and $245,000 to Marcia Robinson, as wife of Leon Robinson, for loss of services, companionship, etc.

Upon acceptance of the settlement, Kiser Transport Inc., Moran and General Security Insurance Co., as represented by Claims Control Inc., are released from all claims against them.

The case was ruled upon by Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Rex Reed. [[In-content Ad]]