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 Robed 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.
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