The estate of a cab driver killed in a 2011 high-speed police chase has filed a wrongful death suit against the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. Several law enforcement officers and the criminal who caused the accident have also been named in the suit. Attorneys for the victim say that the police officers’ decision to engage in the high-speed chase showed negligence and disregard for the safety of the general public. Relatives are seeking a minimum judgment of $50,000, and they want the city to admit that the victim’s Constitutional rights were violated.
Authorities report that the chase occurred in March 2011 after a convicted felon ran a red light during a police chase, striking the victim’s vehicle. The victim was driving a woman to the local Amtrak station when he was hit. The police chase had started after the convict refused to pull over for a routine traffic stop. It was determined that the car had been stolen.
Attorneys for the city said they understood the tragic nature of the incident, but they argue that the city is not responsible for the man’s death. The unfortunate accident was caused by the criminal acts of the convicted driver, not the police officers that attempted to stop the crime.
Family members in this case are wise to file civil suits against the city, officers and convicted driver. Attorneys could argue that the city showed negligence by permitting high-speed chases on high-occupancy streets. Furthermore, the police officers named in the suit could be held responsible for their decision to purse the criminal through dangerous methods. The risks associated with high-speed chases are generally far greater than the relative reward for capturing the crook. Finally, relatives could easily argue that the convicted driver was to blame for the victim’s death.
Family members could recover financial damages for pain and suffering, loss of consort and emotional distress. They could also seek compensation for the man’s medical bills and legal fees associated with the case.
Source: Cincinnati.com, “Family files wrongful death suit against city,” March 20, 2013