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The city had acknowledged liability in the death of Da'Karia
Spicer. The only issue for the Cook County jury was the
financial award.
Attorneys representing the city of Chicago said the amount
should be between $12 million and $15 million, but the jury
settled on $79.8 million after hearing closing arguments
Wednesday.
“The impact of this incident was catastrophic, and the Spicer
family lost a bright, talented and smart 10-year-old girl who
was the absolute light of their lives,” attorney Patrick Salvi
II said.
Da'Karia was among family members in a Honda Accord when the
vehicle was struck by a Mercedes that was traveling about 90 mph
(145 kph) while being pursued by Chicago police, according to a
lawsuit.
Officers saw the Mercedes cut through an alley but otherwise had
no reasonable grounds to chase the vehicle, lawyers for the
family alleged.
“We recognize fully that there are instances where the police
must pursue. But that wasn’t the case here," Salvi said.
The crash occurred while Da'Karia's father was taking her to get
a laptop for remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The city is reviewing the verdict and has no further comment at
this time,” said Kristen Cabanban, spokesperson at the city's
law department.
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