Case Type: Wrongful Death / Trucking Accident
Location: Edgar County, Illinois
Incident: Dump Truck Collision
Claim: Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Date: November 17, 2025
Legal Representation: Spiros Law
It’s been months since 67-year-old Teresa Bradley was fatally struck by an Edgar County highway dump truck while crossing Wood Street and Central Avenue at a marked pedestrian crosswalk in Paris, IL. To seek answers, Teresa Bradley’s family called upon our team at Spiros Law to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver of the dump truck and the county itself.
The lawsuit involves eight counts alleging wrongful death, willful and wanton conduct, as well as survival action and willful and wanton conduct by the driver and the county, with the plaintiffs seeking $50,000 for each count.
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What Happened in the Paris, Illinois Crash?
On November 17, at approximately 2:30 p.m., 67-year-old Teresa Bradley was crossing Wood Street and Central Avenue in Paris, Illinois, in a marked pedestrian crosswalk.
According to the lawsuit, an Edgar County highway dump truck operated by county employee Dawson Watson struck Bradley as she was crossing the roadway. Bradley suffered severe head trauma and died from her injuries the following day.
Losing someone in a tragic event can be devastating, especially when an ordinary stroll through your community results in a fatal pedestrian crash. This lawsuit seeks to hold the responsible parties accountable for the circumstances surrounding Bradley’s death.
Alleged Failures Identified in the Lawsuit
Trial attorneys Jim Spiros and Danielle Cain of Spiros Law filed the wrongful death lawsuit in Edgar County Circuit Court. The complaint identifies several alleged failures involving the operation of the dump truck.
The dump truck’s elevated cab provided the driver with a high forward-viewing position as the driver approached the pedestrian crossing.
According to the lawsuit, Bradley entered the crosswalk while the pedestrian walk signal was illuminated.
A traffic sign at the intersection stated that vehicle traffic must yield to pedestrians.
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What the Lawsuit is Investigating
Spiros Law is pursuing information related to the fatal pedestrian crash, including:
Cell Phone and Electronic Device Records
Investigating whether distracted driving contributed to the failure to yield.
Driver Training and Qualifications
Assessing hiring, training, licensing, and safety records.
Vehicle Maintenance Records
Reviewing maintenance history and potential visibility or mechanical issues.
Crash Reconstruction
Analyzing vehicle speed, trajectory, visibility, and driver reaction time.
Partner & Attorney at Spiros Law
Government Vehicle Wrongful Death Claims in Illinois
A wrongful death claim involving a county, city, or other government vehicle can become complex, involving additional legal requirements than other wrongful death claims.
Illinois Governmental Immunity
The Illinois Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act provides certain protections to public entities and employees. Liability depends on the facts and applicable Illinois law.
Filing Deadlines
Claims involving government entities can have different deadlines than other injury claims. Early legal review can help identify applicable deadlines and preserve evidence.
Wrongful Death Damages
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, eligible surviving family members may be able to seek damages for losses including:
- Grief and mental suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of financial support
- Medical and final expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
Why Choose Spiros Law
Multiple Illinois Offices
Serving families across Edgar County and across Illinois, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Trial Experience
Proven trial experience representing clients in complex wrongful death and serious injury claims, including cases involving high-stakes disputes and substantial damages.
Investigative Resources
Investigating government and commercial vehicle crashes, preserving critical evidence, and navigating complex liability requirements and government procedures.
No Upfront Attorney Fees
Contingency fee representation means you don’t have to worry about paying attorney fees unless you receive financial recovery, according to the terms of your agreement.
FAQs
Speak With Our Illinois Wrongful Death Attorneys Today
If you have information about this Edgar County crash or have lost a family member in a serious commercial or municipal vehicle collision, Spiros Law is here to help and ready to discuss your situation whenever you need us.
Contact our Illinois wrongful death attorneys for a free, confidential case review. You can speak with our team about your legal options, potential claims, and the next steps available to your family.
- Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Dump Truck Driver, Edgar Co. After Deadly Crash – MyWabashValley
- New Details Revealed in Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Edgar County Dump Truck Driver – WCIA News
- Family of Paris Woman Hit and Killed by Edgar Co. Dump Truck Sues County, Driver – WAND-TV
- Family of Paris Woman Hit, Killed by Edgar Co. Dump Truck Files Lawsuit – WTHI-TV
- Family Wants Answers in Wrongful Death Case Involving County Vehicle – AOL News
- Video Report: Paris Family Demands Accountability Following Fatal Dump Truck Collision – Yahoo News
- Community Coverage: WTHI-TV Social Report on Paris, IL Wrongful Death Filing – Facebook (WTHI-TV)
Legal Disclaimer: This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, deadlines, and potential claims vary by case. The allegations described above are based on the lawsuit and should not be treated as established facts unless proven in court. Contact an Illinois attorney to discuss the specific facts of your case.
