Paralyzed road worker to get $20 million

A road worker paralyzed when a drunk driver struck him after leaving a Bucks County bar will get a $20 million settlement from the tavern's insurance company.

Joseph Tuski of Pottstown was left a quadriplegic when a car driven by Michael Petaccio struck him as he directed traffic on Jan. 17, 2001, in Warminster. Petaccio had just left the Ivyland Cafe, a tavern owned by his parents.

A jury awarded Tuski, who was 31 at the time of the crash, $75 million, but the award was largely symbolic as the tavern had only $1 million in insurance. Tuski sued the insurer, Princeton Insurance Co., charging bad faith when it failed to negotiate a settlement after the verdict. Princeton did not admit liability in the settlement reached this week, said Tuski's attorney, Robert Mongeluzzi.

"What this settlement means is that Joe, a once-healthy young man who is now confined to his bed or a gurney, who will never be able to walk or hold his daughter, will finally be able to afford optimal medical care," Mongeluzzi said. Petaccio pleaded no contest in 2001 to aggravated assault while driving under the influence. - AP