Corboy & Demetrio Obtains $10.5 Million Jury Verdict in Fatal Chicago Police Chase

CHICAGO, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Corboy & Demetrio has obtained a Cook County jury verdict of $10.5 million in the death of a 61-year-old Chicago man who was killed as a result of a police chase that took place on April 13, 2018. The crash occurred while three Chicago Police Department officers were chasing a motorist for a traffic violation without contacting their supervisors on the radio. 

Evidence at trial showed the deceased, Tuong Lam, suffered for 17 minutes after his vehicle was struck by the vehicle police had been chasing at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour and traveling the wrong way down a one-way street. Mr. Lam had to be cut out of his vehicle and suffered fatal internal bleeding.

The Chicago jury deliberated for just over three hours before returning a unanimous verdict against the City of Chicago. The decedent is survived by three adult children and his wife, all who testified during the 7-day trial.

With the verdict, jurors rejected the City's argument that the three officers in the unmarked vehicle were trying to warn the public in the high-speed chase and that the officers did not violate the city's rules and procedures governing police chases.

Corboy & Demetrio Attorneys William T. Gibbs and Michael D. Ditore represented the Estate.

"We're pleased the jury held the City responsible for their reckless actions," Ditore said.

"The evidence was clear that the officers violated the Chicago Police Departments own rules that were designed to prevent tragedies like this," Ditore added.

Case No: 2019L3062 Lam v. City of Chicago

About Corboy & Demetrio
Corboy & Demetrio is one of the nation's premier law firms, representing individuals and their families in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers are renowned for their achievements in the courtroom and contributions to the community. Putting clients first has resulted in unparalleled and exceptional success - more than $4 billion in settlements and verdicts, of which nearly 600 were in excess of $1 million. To speak with attorneys William Gibbs or Michael Ditore, call 312-346-3191 or email us at [email protected]. We are available 24/7. For more information about our practice, go www.corboydemetrio.com.

Media Contact: Helen Lucaitis, Esq., CMO, Corboy & Demetrio, 312-550-2077; [email protected]

SOURCE Corboy & Demetrio