Personal Injury Law

Chicago Personal Injury: Illinois Man Sues Police for Brain Injury Sustained During Alleged Police Brutality Incident

In Illinois, a man who says that two Alton police officers beat him so severely that he sustained brain damage is suing the two cops, the city of Alton, and the Alton Police Department for personal injury. Russell K. Cox is seeking over $300,000 plus additional relief.

The Godfrey resident says that on April 24, 2008, Lt. William Taul and Police Officer James Hunter approached him on the street. The two cops allegedly hit him with their hands, flashlights, and fists, threw him onto the ground, sprayed him with some substance, and jolted him with an electroshock-like device. Cox says that he sustained personal injuries, including brain damage, a concussion, permanent hearing loss, extended mental pain, physical pain, suffering, and disability. He also incurred medical expenses.

The Illinois police brutality lawsuit accuses the two men of assault and battery, failing to exercise due care for the plaintiff?s safety, and not obeying procedures and policies that prohibit excessive force. Cox is suing the the city of Alton and its police department for the violent police assault and battery incident, failing to exercise the due care necessary to ensure his safety, failing to set up the proper procedures, failing to train police officers on not using excessive force, and failing to obey policies that bar the practice of police brutality.

Brain Damage
Brain damage can seriously impair a person?s ability to function properly?especially if the brain injury is severe and permanent. Depending on the type of brain injury, the victim's memory, judgment, any of the five senses, the ability to communicate, the ability to stay cognizant, his or her personality, libido, and ability to complete routine tasks can all be affected.

Brain injuries are often catastrophic, costly injuries that wreak havoc on the lives of the injured party and family members.

Godfrey man claims brain damage after Alton police allegedly assault him, The Record, April 8, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Traumatic Brain Injury Information Page

Use of Force By Police: Overview of National and Local Data, US Department of Justice

Full post as published by Chicago Injury Attorney Blog on April 08, 2009 (boomark / email).