$3.2 million settlement in Elgin electrocution

The family of one of two men electrocuted while working on a bridge at the Fox River in Elgin five years ago has been awarded a $3.2 million settlement

ComEd is paying that amount to the family of Javier Valadez of Chicago, who left behind a wife and two children, now ages 9 and 12, after his death in June 2008, said ComEd's attorney, Charles Rantis.

The Valadez case was resolved in mediation in August; a dismissal order was entered Monday in Cook County circuit court.

Attorney Ed Willer, who represented the Valadez family, said, “The case was a very difficult case from the onset,” adding that Valadez “should not have been killed.”

Valadez, preparing to sandblast a bridge for painting was riding in a lift that came into contact with overhead power wires. The lift was operated by John Maroulis, who lived in Chicago and northwest Indiana, and who also died in the accident. The men were employed by Eagle Painting of Paxton, Ill.

Maroulis' lawsuit was settled in August for $350,000, Rantis said. Maroulis was divorced and had no contact with his children in about five years, he said.

In the Valadez case, Eagle Painting waived its lien of $243,000 and will continue workers' compensation benefits until Dec. 31, according to a news release from Valadez's firm, Corboy & Demetrio.