Henry County Jury Verdict Makes News

I had a jury trial in Henry County last week in a case where a guy shot a teenager with a shotgun. The case and the verdict were both interesting, so the local newspaper picked up the story, which ran today. If you’re a subscriber, you can click here – otherwise read these snippets from the article:

Jury awards teen $48,908 for injuries in shooting (actually it was $46,908, but I’m not picky)

A Kewanee man in prison for shooting a teenager on June 29, 2004 has been ordered by a Henry County jury to pay the victim $48,908.

(…)

Mr. Redmond injured two people with shotgun fire and threatened nine others near property he rented to store commercial fireworks.

(…)

“I think the jury got it right,” Mr. Zimmerle said. “I think it sends a message to people that these sort of actions won’t be tolerated.”

Mr. Zimmerle said he made the analogy of the wild west to the jury last week. “You can’t shoot people when they come near your property.”

(…)

[T]he judgment paid for [Plaintiff’s] medical bills, with $12,500 for past pain and suffering and $25,000 in punitive damages.

I wish I could comment on this case a little bit, but it wouldn’t be the best idea, since the defendants still have time for possible post-trial motions or appeals. Still, drop me a line if you’re interested in more about the case or my strategy. I’m proud of this one.

(Howard Zimmerle is an attorney practicing in Kewanee, Geneseo, and all of Henry County Illinois)