The Most Worthy Cause Award celebrates a case where the Plaintiff's circumstances inspired the DK Global team and left us thinking about the attorney and client even after the case was closed.

Our team is still inspired months after working with Midwest attorney Michael Massucci, of the Kelly Law Offices, on a contested liability case in a conservative venue where he represented a young motorcyclist struck by a vehicle. The Plaintiff sustained serious injuries to his right leg that resulted in several surgical procedures and ultimately, amputation. Doctors initially attempted to save his leg, but his toes became necrotic and required a lower right leg amputation below the knee. The amputation has placed a burden on his other leg and doctors have recommended a future total knee replacement to stabilize the leg. More than the trauma of multiple invasive surgeries and a lengthy hospital stay after the collision, the Plaintiff was also forced into a life-altering recovery process.

He and his family were faced with learning how to adjust their once active lifestyles to accommodate the Plaintiff's reduced mobility and independence, due to the amputation. DK Global compiled footage of the Plaintiff and his family performing daily tasks that became difficult after the amputation, such as eating breakfast and taking a shower. Being able to see these daily reminders of the serious injuries the victim sustained, led the DK team to develop a deep empathy for the Plaintiff. Attorney Massucci was a strong advocate for his client, refusing to accept the defense's denial of liability. His passion for justice in the matter was contagious. The DK artists went above and beyond in their work to ensure the visual presentation - which combined photographs, medical animations, and day in the life video footage - would successfully portray the invasiveness of the amputation and its permanent consequences. Attorney Massucci's determination resulted in him securing a $3.125 million settlement for his client before even filing suit, making history as the largest settlement or verdict for a below the knee amputation in DeKalb County, Illinois.