Trial Magazine

Kevin Spicer was stopped in his car on a Chicago roadway with his five-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter, Da’Karia, as backseat passengers. A Chicago police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Mercedes, which began to accelerate rapidly without yielding to the police. The officer activated a siren for less than two seconds and pursued the Mercedes, which collided with another vehicle at an intersection.

The Mercedes then collided with Spicer’s car, severely injuring Spicer, Da’Karia, and her brother. Da’Karia died from her injuries. Spicer suffered four fractured ribs and required treatment at an ER. Da’Karia is survived by her parents and brother.

Spicer and the children’s mother, individually and on behalf of Da’Karia and her brother, sued the city of Chicago, alleging liability for the collision. The plaintiffs asserted that the police pursuit was unauthorized and unwarranted in that there was no warrant to arrest any individual in the Mercedes—which had not been reported stolen—and the officers had not observed a felony.

The defendant admitted liability for the crash. The jury awarded the plaintiffs $79.85 million.

Citation: Spicer v. City of Chi., No. 2021 L 008795 (Ill. Cir. Ct. Cook Cnty. Dec. 11, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Partrick A. Salvi II, Lance D. Northcutt, Aaron D. Boeder, and Eirene N. Salvi, all of Chicago.