$450,000 Settlement in Wisconsin Traffic Death Lawsuit

A civil lawsuit filed in Pepin County by three children who lost their mother in a traffic crash has been settled out of court.

Records show Michelle Nelson’s children will receive a total of $450,000 from Countryside Cooperative Transport of Durand and its insurance carrier. The lawsuit filed on behalf of 10-year-old Kendra, 14-year-old Tiffany and 16-year-old Ashley-Faye Nelson alleged Countryside truck driver Duane Brantner was using his cell phone when his semi collided with Nelson’s vehicle in April 2009. The 38-year-old Eau Claire mother was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Eau Claire Leader-Telegram says criminal charges were not filed against Brantner in the fatal crash.