Verdicts & Settlements
Jury Awards $17.5 Million In M-V Teens Death Case
A Lackawanna County jury returned a verdict of $17.5 million Thursday in favor of the parents of five Midvalley teenagers who died in a single-car accident in 1981 but the amounts they actually receive probably will depend on further court action. Defendants in the case were Frank and Antoinette Lukasik, 1165 Freida St., Dickson City, parents and administrators of the estate of Anthony Lukasik 17, driver of the car in which he and seven other teenagers were killed on March 6, 1981, in Throop. Their attorney, James Doherty, indicated after the verdict that he will appeal the jury's decision and the amount of the award. A further question is the amount of insurance money available. The principal policy Involved was for only $35,000, which may make it necessary for the plaintiffs to initiate further court action against one or more insurance companies in order to collect the award. The jury was selected Monday and listened to two and one-half days of testimony from police, insurance investigators and the parents of the victims. Joseph and Charlotte Hafich, Griffin Street, Dickson City, administrators of the estate of Jody Hafich, 14, one of the victims, sued the Lukasiks and were joined in the suit by the parents of four of the six other victims. Attorney Robert W. Munley represents the Hafich family and the parents of the late Michelle Cizik, 15, Befl Mountain Section of Dickson City. Attorney Edward M. Murphy represents the parents of the late Michael Cheresko, 15, of 1137 Olga St., Dickson City. Attorney Richard S. Campagna represents the parents of the late David Thomas, 17, of 444 Main St., Dickson City, and the late Elizabeth Lisa Mecca, 16, of 900 Pearl St., Dickson City. The parents of two other victims, Gail Veltri, 15, of 310 George St., Throop, and Greg LeBanic, 16, of 600 Boulevard Ave., Dickson City, did not join In the suit. Lackawanna County Judge S. John Cottone presided over the trial.
