Trial Magazine

Derquann Wilson, 15, was riding in the front passenger seat of a Chevy Malibu in Chicago. Several police officers who were part of a special operations section identified the Malibu and its passengers as possibly linked to a group that sold drugs and had hidden a weapon in the vehicle’s air bag compartment. The officers blocked in the Malibu near an alley, but the vehicle proceeded around them. One of the officers opened fire as the vehicle sped away, striking Wilson in the back and left hand.

He was taken to a hospital, where he underwent immediate surgery and later, additional operations. He is now missing part of a finger on his left hand. He suffers from fatigue, has extensive scarring on his chest and abdomen, and is at an increased risk for developing obstructive bowel disease due to the multiple abdominal surgeries. His medical expenses exceeded $291,907.

Wilson sued the city, alleging liability for its officer’s willful and wanton conduct. The plaintiff argued that the officer was never legally justified in shooting any of the Malibu’s occupants and that his actions showed indifference to their safety.

The jury awarded approximately $1.24 million.

Citation: Wilson v. City of Chicago, No. 17-L-9552 (Ill. Cir. Ct. Cook Cnty. Mar. 15, 2018).

Plaintiff counsel: Craig M. Sandberg, Chicago; and Keenan J. Saulter, Homewood, Ill.