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The city of Chicago is on the verge of resolving a significant legal matter involving a substantial lawsuit brought by a local family. This development marks a poignant chapter for the family who tragically lost their matriarch in a 2017 incident.
In a deeply emotional scene at the City Council chambers, a woman recounted the harrowing event that claimed her mother’s life. The memory of that fateful crash left her visibly shaken, her tears a testament to the enduring pain of loss.
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During a session with the Chicago City Council’s Finance Committee, the daughter who survived the accident delivered a moving testimony. Her attempt to share her story was cut short as overwhelming emotions took over, and she collapsed in tears before she could complete her statement.
Kimberlyn Myers, the grieving daughter, was unable to finish her remarks, overcome by the weight of the moment and the memories of her mother’s untimely death.
“Today was a very emotional day for the Harrell family, particularly for Kimberlyn,” remarked Lance Northcutt, the attorney representing the Vaughn-Harrell family, capturing the intensity of the day’s proceedings.
The attorneys for the city of Chicago did not comment after they testified before the Committee.
They recommended alders approve a $27 million settlement for the family of Stacy Vaughn-Harrell.
In 2017, Vaughn-Harrell and her daughter were coming home from a dance recital.
At the same time, Chicago police pulled over a white Kia SUV after a report of shots fired.
Attorneys for the Harrell family shared police body camera video of the incident, in which they contend, officers pursued a white Kia SUV without sirens. Then, the Kia hit the car with Vaughn-Harrell and her daughter, they said.
Harrell later died of her injuries.
Myers, critically injured, climbed out of the window and fell to the ground as the officers stood by.
In a previous trial, the family was awarded $10 million.
But on appeal, a new trial was granted.
Lawyers for the city said there is new evidence. And, if the city does not settle, at a second trial the award could be over $100 million.
The Finance Committee approved the settlement to move forward.
“The loss they’ve experienced has continued. Not only through the loss of their mother, but because this has to be relived, we are hopeful that all sides see the wisdom in moving on,” Northcutt said.
Alderman Nick Sposato was skeptical of the increase in settlement amount.
“It’s troublesome, but I don’t how we can get out of it,” said Sposato, who represents the 38th Ward.
Sposato says more aldermen need to look more carefully at cases before recommending settlements.
“The ultimate cost is just too much; it’s out of control,” Sposato said.
The Finance committee is expected to present the settlement to the full City Council meeting next week.
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