Published by The Davis Law Group, P.C.
The city reached a $6.25 million settlement with a pedestrian injured by Dwight Washington, a Chicago Streets and Sanitation worker, who drove his city vehicle into a crowd in May 2011. Washington was employed by the city of Chicago to collect debris and empty garbage cans at the time of the incident. His city truck reportedly jumped the curb in the Viagra Triangle area and ran into a crowd of pedestrians, resulting in injuries to seven individuals. Richard Chang suffered the most severe injuries including brain damage, requiring him to relearn to walk and talk.
Police found a bottle of brandy in the seat of the vehicle. Tests revealed a BAC over twice the legal limit. Washington was charged with felony aggravated DUI, transportation of alcohol and failure to reduce speed. Questions inevitably arose as to why his supervisors allowed him to get behind the wheel. Additional lawsuits are pending against Washington and the city.
Pedestrian Struck By Drunk Chicago Streets And San Worker Receives $6.25 Million Settlement From City, www.chicagoist.com, December 10, 2012