Cockrell v. Koppers Industries, Inc.

Plaintiff, Bruce Cockrell, filed a two-count complaint against defendant, Koppers Industries, Inc. (Koppers), sounding in negligence and wilful and wanton misconduct. In the complaint, plaintiff alleged that he was severely burned while working on Koppers’ property. The case eventually proceeded to trial, and a jury returned a verdict finding defendant negligent. Koppers then filed a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (judgment n.o.v.) or, alternatively, for a new trial. The circuit court denied the motion, and Koppers appealed. 134 Ill. 2d R. 303(a). We reverse the denial of the…