Trial Magazine

Shortly after the murder of George Floyd, a family of five—including Tnika Tate, 40; Mia Wright, 25; Kim Woods, 55; Ebony Wilbourn, 35; and Javon Hill, 18—were in their vehicle at Chicago’s Brickyard Mall. Several Chicago police officers approached the family, pointed guns and cursed at them, and struck the vehicle’s windows with their batons before dragging each family member out of the vehicle. They suffered varying degrees of emotional distress, including PTSD, panic disorder, and depression. Wright also developed a neurological disorder that led to blindness in one eye.

Each family member sued the city, alleging excessive force. The plaintiffs asserted that the officers had no probable cause to detain them or use any force because no crime was committed before the incident and they had not resisted their detention.

The parties settled for approximately $1.62 million. Wright received $650,000, and the other plaintiffs received $243,750 each.

Citation: Wright v. City of Chi., No. 1:20-cv-07688 (N.D. Ill. Mar. 23, 2022).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Nenye E. Uche, Chicago. Plaintiff expert: Steven Farmilant, clinical psychology, Chicago.

Plaintiff expert: Steven Farmilant, clinical psychology, Chicago