Recently, there have been multiple large settlements in cases accusing the City of Chicago of negligence. It seems that the City would rather settle the cases outside of court than take the chance with a judge and jury for fear of even larger settlement amounts.

In March, the city settled a case with a 37-year-old cyclist who was injured by a 40-foot limb that fell from a tree. Prior to the accident, the tree was the subject of many complaints and was inspected but never removed. As a result of the accident, the woman was paralyzed. Chicago paid out a $5.75 million dollar settlement in this case.
A few weeks later, the City settled a case with a man who was injured in a car accident. The man was hit by a car when a driver lost control after hitting a patch of ice caused by a water main break. The man lost his leg. He was compensated by the City of Chicago with a $5 million dollar settlement.

The City has also proposed settlements in other recent cases. These proposals are in line to be approved by the City Council. One of these cases involves a 23-year-old man who was injured when riding his bicycle after a night of drinking. He hit a barricade that had been set up to warn motorists and cyclists of a collapsed sewer basin. In this case, it seems the City knew the weight of the evidence was against them. The light on the barricade, which would warn drivers of the hazard, was not working. The barricade was set up in the actual hole and not before or around it. Also, the City had notice of the condition and was planning to fix it. All of these factors point towards liability on the City’s part. The man suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting in quadriplegia. The City has proposed a $1.5 Million settlement.

Another proposed settlement in the works is involves a 42 year old woman who was injured when she tripped and fell on a damaged Chicago sidewalk. The woman suffered from a badly broken ankle and ongoing complications stemming from the fracture. The proposed settlement is for $350,000.

If you have been injured as a result of negligence on behalf of the City of Chicago or any other entity or individual, call Chicago personal injury attorneys Ryan, Ryan & Viglione at (847)244-1436.