Opinion ID: 2121781
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Lawsuit # 1: Plaintiff v. Zieba

Text: On October 8, 1986, Susanne's mother (plaintiff), as administrator of her estate, filed suit against the driver of the automobile, Zieba, in Jackson County. In this suit, plaintiff alleged that Zieba negligently drove his car which directly and proximately caused the death of Susanne. The complaint alleged: That as a direct and proximate result of said acts of negligence by ZIEBA, as alleged herein, the motor vehicle being operated by him skidded across and off the roadway and crashed into a tree all of which resulted in the death of Suzanne [ sic ] Patton   . Plaintiff's complaint sought recovery for Susanne's death under the Wrongful Death Act (Ill.Rev.Stat.1985, ch. 70, pars. 1 through 2.2), for pain and suffering sustained by Susanne, and for expenses under the family expense act (Ill.Rev.Stat.1985, ch. 40, par. 1015). Plaintiff settled with Zieba on July 30, 1987, for the limits of his automobile insurance policy, $100,000. The settlement stated that it was for the personal injuries and/or wrongful death or other damages incurred and resulting from the death of the said Susanne Patton. The settlement also stated that it released Zieba and his insurer for any and all claims, causes of action, demands, damages, costs, expenses and claims for loss of services or personal injuries and/or wrongful death, and any damages flowing therefrom, either contractual or in tort. The parties did not allocate the money received from the settlement as to the various causes of action. The trial court found the settlement was made in good faith and dismissed plaintiff's action against Zieba on July 30, 1987.