LAWSUITS NEWS & LEGAL INFORMATION
Macon County, IL
Decatur, IL: (Jul-29-07) A lawsuit was brought against Macon County by communities the length of Illinois that purchased sections of abandoned right-of-way from the Illinois Central Railroad. The suit claimed that the railroad had no legal interest in the land to convey to the buyers of the right-of-way.
In a settlement reached, the county agreed to pay $10 million, including judgment and attorneys' fees, making it among the largest civil awards in Macon County Circuit Court history. Sources state that claims total $5.8 million, while attorneys' fees total $3.7 million or less. The railroad continues to deny all claims and liability for damages alleged in the lawsuit. But it agreed to mediation, which was used to arrive at the settlement. N. Jean Pense of Maroa, one of the lead plaintiffs in the case will recover the $2,000 she spent as well as interest at 5% plus $5,000 in damages once Macon County Circuit Court Judge Kathleen McCarthy gives final approval to the settlement agreement. More than 620 other people also stand to be benefited by the settlement. [HERALD-REVIEW: RAIL ROAD LAND]
Published on Jul-30-07
In a settlement reached, the county agreed to pay $10 million, including judgment and attorneys' fees, making it among the largest civil awards in Macon County Circuit Court history. Sources state that claims total $5.8 million, while attorneys' fees total $3.7 million or less. The railroad continues to deny all claims and liability for damages alleged in the lawsuit. But it agreed to mediation, which was used to arrive at the settlement. N. Jean Pense of Maroa, one of the lead plaintiffs in the case will recover the $2,000 she spent as well as interest at 5% plus $5,000 in damages once Macon County Circuit Court Judge Kathleen McCarthy gives final approval to the settlement agreement. More than 620 other people also stand to be benefited by the settlement. [HERALD-REVIEW: RAIL ROAD LAND]
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