Husband of Woman Fatally Struck by Dump Truck in Arlington Heights Awarded $10.5M

Introduction to the Incident

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — A Cook County jury has awarded more than $10 million to the husband of a woman who was fatally struck by a dump truck while riding her bike in Arlington Heights in 2022.

The deadly incident unfolded just after 7 a.m. on September 29, 2022, as 45-year-old Sylwia Jarosz, a kindergarten teacher, was riding her bicycle to work, according to the law firm Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C.

Details of the Accident

Jarosz was traveling northbound before she stopped at a red light in the southwest corner of the intersection of Wilke Road and Lake Cook Road. As Jarosz waited for the light, an approaching truck, that was owned by AJC Concrete Construction, attempted to make a left-hand turn from Lake Cook Road onto Wilke Road, but the driver did not stop before entering the intersection and crashed into another vehicle, which caused the truck to veer off the road and strike Jarosz. At the time of the crash, the truck was traveling over the speed limit.

Aftermath of the Accident

Jarosz was transported to the hospital where she later died. On March 24, 2023, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of Sylwia’s husband. After the defendants admitted liability, a damages-only trial began on March 11.

Verdict and Award

Two days later, a Cook County jury awarded Jarosz’s family $10,500,000 for her husband’s past and future loss of society, grief, sorrow and mental suffering, and loss of spousal benefits and services.

Conclusion

The verdict brings a measure of justice to the family of Sylwia Jarosz, who lost their loved one in a tragic and preventable accident. The award of $10.5 million reflects the significant loss suffered by Jarosz’s husband and the impact of her death on their life together.

FAQs

Q: What was the cause of the accident?

A: The accident was caused by a dump truck that failed to stop before entering the intersection and crashed into another vehicle, veering off the road and striking Sylwia Jarosz.

Q: How much was the award given to Jarosz’s family?

A: The award given to Jarosz’s family was $10,500,000.

Q: When did the accident occur?

A: The accident occurred on September 29, 2022.

Q: What was Sylwia Jarosz doing when the accident occurred?

A: Sylwia Jarosz was riding her bicycle to work when the accident occurred.