Chicago City Council approves settlement for teen paralyzed in crash during police chase
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The family of a boy left severely disabled following a crash involving Chicago Police is set to receive a $45 million lawsuit.
The settlement for the family of 15-year-old Nathen Jones was approved Monday by the City Council Finance Committee, and then given unanimous final approval on Wednesday by the full City Council.
Jones, who – according to a lawsuit filed in Cook County in 2022 – suffered a traumatic brain injury in the crash, and needs 24/7 care.
The $45 million is an estimate for medical costs for the rest of Jones' life.
The Finance Committee approved the settlement unanimously.
Jones was a passenger in a 2002 Volkswagen CC on April 10, 2021, when a police squad car tried to pull over the driver for a rolling through a stop sign near Wood and Huron streets in West Town. When the driver didn't stop, police chased the Volkswagen for several blocks as the driver ran several stop lights and stop signs, before crashing into a 2007 Toyota Yaris at the intersection of Grand and Damen avenues, causing Jones to suffer "catastrophic" and permanent injuries, according to the lawsuit.
Now, Jones can no longer walk, talk, or control his bowel movements. His family is responsible for his around-the-clock care.
"A simple, "Hey, Mom, how was your day?'" Jones' mom, Erika Boyd, said after Monday's committee vote. "I will never be able to get that again."
Jones' mom, Erika Boyd, was by his side as the settlement was approved by the Finance Committee on Monday.
"I would just like to say that Nathen was a regular, happy, healthy, active 15-year-old kid – period. He brought our family a lot of joy. He still does," said Boyd. "But the price that he had to pay for being in a car."
Nathen's family claimed the officer involved - Jhonathan Perez, who is still on active duty with the Chicago Police Department – did not call a superior to ask for permission to chase.
"When those men and women disregard their training; when they abandon policy; when they make the judgment that pursuing for a minor traffic violation is risking human life, bad things happen," said attorney Lance D. Northcutt of the firm Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, "and in this case, what happened to Nathen Jones unbelievable."
Of the $45 million settlement, $25 million would be covered by the city's insurance agency – while Chicago taxpayers would be responsible for the remaining $20 million.
"I think what's really important to emphasize is that when the City of Chicago gets in a situation like this, they're just like every other defendant – other than some of the funds come from taxpayers," said attorney Patrick Salvi II.
Still, Jones' family said no one really wins – even if the city settles.
"No amount of money can bring back the child I had before this," said Boyd.
The family said they have not yet decided if they will pursue a separate suit against the driver of the car in which Jones was a passenger.
