CHICAGO (WLS) — On Friday, the city of Chicago made significant progress towards finalizing a hefty financial settlement with a local family mourning the loss of their mother in a tragic incident from 2017.
In a poignant moment inside the City Council chambers, a woman from Chicago broke down in tears as she recounted the devastating accident that claimed her mother’s life.
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The woman’s daughter, who survived the tragic crash, gave an emotional testimony in front of the Chicago City Council’s Finance Committee.
Overcome with emotion, Kimberlyn Myers was unable to continue her statement and collapsed during her address.
“This has been an incredibly emotional day for the Harrell family, especially for Kimberlyn,” expressed Lance Northcutt, the attorney representing the Vaughn-Harrell family.
Following their testimony, the city of Chicago’s legal representatives declined to provide any comments.
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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