True? False?
You want to see work stop? We're talking completely stop. This would do it:
- Copper on 2nd watch in my district met with Corp counsel Friday (the 13th.) Seems copper and partner had a lawsuit filed against them. Corp. counsel says: "We can settle this out of court for $600,000 AND are going to make you and your partner pay $11,000 in punitive damages."
If you want to go to court, and they award punitive damages, it will probably be a lot more; there is your choice officers; take it or leave it. So, now the city is deciding how much punitive damages you will pay, even without a trial
Supposedly FlOP is looking into group umbrella policies if this happens.....The city's got your back..
We don't happen to have $11,000 lying around. And we don't trust Cook County juries to apply punitive damages with anything near even handedness. And the other sad fact is, we don't trust Corp counsel to do anything but settle 9 times out of 10. So if they're negotiating punitive damages, the only logical end is to do nothing to endanger our income streams.
Labels: from the comments
posted by SCC at 12:03 AM
150 Comments:
I hope it is false! If true, why does anyone do anything? Get out of msf,tru tac etc... !
Man, somethings gotta give. Somethings gotta happen. We keep take a beating, everywhere.
Thought we were indemnified? Changing the rules in the middle of the game? AGAIN?
Two years to max out. Thinking about going now, instead, while I still own my house - - - before these clowns give that away, too.
OHHHH I will be watching this one real close.
Stop Completely???
Foot is covering the brake pedal right now and appling pressure.
What kind of lawsuit are they offering $600,000 for?
WORD UP!
I call BULLSHIT on this one. CC has been instructed to put anything over $100,000 on trial. As to telling the officers that they would have to pony up 11 G for a punitive settlement , again I call BULLSHIT.
to do nothing to endanger our income streams...
Thats what I've been doing last 2 years.
is this verified?? or just some rumor??
I concur
The sure fire way to avoid punitive damages:
One mover a day, 5 parkers a day, two bus checks a day, 19-p everything else. Keep the blinders on. go home safe.
Has worked for years. Or, you can trust your supervisors and Jody Weis to protect your house, family and future.
Umm, maybe they screwed up and should be paying punitive damages. If the city's settling for $600,000 something went wrong.
I work to make money, not lose it.
The fastest way to lose your income, wealth and freedom is to do your job.
LOOK ! just ride on your jobs and do the paper. They are 5 min old when dispatched anyway. Don't take any risks getting there and respond with a detatched professionalism when you arrive.
WE ARE NOT THE POLICE ANYMORE.
The sooner you internalize that, the better.
Survival is the name of the game now.
Just another reason to do nothing but answer your calls. The city and j-fraud do not have our backs. Lets all return the favor and not carry their backs for the olympic committee.
It's OVER...
Please tell me this is not true.
Great. Now everyone will file a suit, every shitbird will hit the ghetto lottery, and every copper will be paying punitive damages to be determined by the corp. counsel.
So all the cop-hating lawyers will be happy to see lower pots if they can advertise how much coppers had to pay in punitive damages. The higher the punitives, the more corp. counsel wins and the more the attorneys win, and the copper, who is the only good guy in the whole scenario is the copper.
LAY DOWN!!!!!
I don't think this should have even been posted without any actual facts about the case. This leads me to also say the rumors like this about us on a public web site can cause more damage to us than help. Stick with bashing J-Fed and shortstacks.
One mover a day, 5 parkers a day, two bus checks a day, 19-p everything else. Keep the blinders on. go home safe.
Damn, Sarge, that's a whole lot of activities for a day, don't you think? How about just 3 parkers a day and if it's the weather is nice, then maybe, I'll do a quick CTA check. OR if I wanna be a SUPERSTAR, I'll do my best to find a Curfew so I'm good for the rest of the week, sit back and relax while I watch my movies that I rent from Redbox.
The officers in this one fucked up. Their testimonies were way off. They didnt bother to get together before going on.
Anonymous said...
Thought we were indemnified? Changing the rules in the middle of the game? AGAIN?
Two years to max out. Thinking about going now, instead, while I still own my house - - - before these clowns give that away, too.
3/17/2009 12:16:00 AM
We are NOT indemnified for punitive damages. State Law. Passed at the request of the City of Chicago, surprise surprise.
Actual damages, yes, punitive, no way. Ask any officers who have had to pay them.
Case number please, post the case number so we might look it up for proof.
Stop the work...All of it except in progress jobs where someome is being killed or hurt...everything else forget it...
Punitive damages are never part of settlements. When the parties settle, the defendant(s) do not admit liability. Without a finding of liability, there cannot be punitive damages.
Something was lost in the translation of this story.
Flint Taylor's comments in today's Sun Times says it all!
If he can find some way to invoke Jon Burge's name the City will roll over and pay.
Today it was Burge worked in Area 2 at some time therefore the City must pay.
At the time the Lisa Cabasa murder occurred Burge was a beat sergeant in the 4th District but that was enough for Taylor to claim misconduct and the City concurred.
Flint Taylor is part of the problem and is not part of the solution. I have no doubt that many of his claims are exagerated to benefit his clients and his bottom line.
I believe it, was at corp council on a deposition, two coppers were asked if they could come up with five thousand between them to make the victim "whole" in a jester of good faith. Told them to call the union asap...
Ask the guys from 004 who are to pay punitive. Tht is a fact. Cook county juries blow,
"One mover a day, 5 parkers a day, two bus checks a day,"
Be serious super cop- take a break from being a moron!
Thought we were indemnified? Changing the rules in the middle of the game? AGAIN?
Two years to max out. Thinking about going now, instead, while I still own my house - - - before these clowns give that away, too.
It is sad that you have two years to max out and haven't known that punitive damages have been around forever..It is not a city thing, it is law and has been for years that a city cannot cover punitive damages awarded.
ITS COMMON 4 CORP COUNCIL TO ACT HARD.
THE REASON BEING SOME OFFICER PLAY DUMB AND DONT SHOW UP/ DONT KNOW HOW TO TESTIFY/ BASICALLY DICK AROUND.
SO THE USUAL THREAT IS THAT THE OFFICER IS GOING TO GET HIT IN THE POCKET BOOK...
IF THEY DIDNT DO ANYTHING ILLEGAL IN THE COURSE OF THEIR DUTIES THE CITY IS ON THE HOOK!!!
IF ITS SUM OFF THE WALL SHIT WHICH WAS NOT MENTIONED IN THE POST THEN THEY BEST GET DEM SELVE A LAWYER!
2 officers in TRU one works elsewhere now, its true and all they did was their job
You can't pay punitive damages if you file bankruptcy!! This shit has to fucking stop ... and stop NOW! I'm all in for the mutiny!
So let's hear the whole story before we get crazy. Are these coppers innocent? I mean really innocent, or did they fuck up so bad that the only option is to give some asshole $600k+ to make them happy?
Personally, I'm getting tired of seeing assholes win the ghetto lottery because my coworkers can't control themselves.
don't have the specifics of this case but i can say that something similar happened to a couple of guys in 20. Corp counsel told them they would have to pay a certain amount out of their own pockets. Hope this doesn't become a trend because some of these judgments could crush us financially.
I call bullshit...
Ask sk and gl from 025
is this verified?? or just some rumor??
3/17/2009 01:33:00 AM
Verfied, unfortunately
I work to make money, not lose it.
The fastest way to lose your income, wealth and freedom is to do your job.
LOOK ! just ride on your jobs and do the paper. They are 5 min old when dispatched anyway. Don't take any risks getting there and respond with a detatched professionalism when you arrive.
WE ARE NOT THE POLICE ANYMORE.
The sooner you internalize that, the better.
Survival is the name of the game now.
3/17/2009 05:01:00 AM
A-PHUCKING-MEN...AMEN!
Punitive damages have been awarded several times already. If you are working in today's, "ANTI-police era", you are a FOOL!!!
THIS JOB AIN'T WORTH IT! When are you going to realize that?
Well when folks are ready to end the bullshit, then maybe it will start, but as long as you have political hacks that refuse to think for themselves, you’ll have the same BS, election after election. The small minds that listen to words that say “no tax increases for middle class”, well maybe, just maybe it won’t go up, but then every other tax you pay from gas to groceries to utilities will skyrocket, they got you.
WTF, now there saying if you want to sell your home in Crook County, you’ll have to be finger printed and pay a “fee”… see what I’m saying… out of control.
6 years ago the commenader (O11) came into role call, which he never did, implying that what he had to say was pretty damn important.
He told us that the city was looking to find a way through the indemnity issue, and that he believed you would be fool to do police work.
That was 6 years ago, and no oe from this generation listened.
Your ENTIRE top command staff are now civilians, appointed by the Mayor.
Your recent promotions are pencil necks who would show up to a staff meeting naked if Jody told them too.
Your union is silent, bends to the wind from city hall as they watch your pension fund loose value through bad investments.
And no one sticks together.
You ALL collectively have no one to blame but yourselves.
True, ask the guys fro 025...
You don't maintain private professional liability insurance?
wow thats fucked! how is there not any language in the FLOP contract about this?
Anonymous said...
Umm, maybe they screwed up and should be paying punitive damages. If the city's settling for $600,000 something went wrong.
3/17/2009 04:14:00 AM
*************
Are you serious??? Have you not seen how many times the city pays out to an offender in JUSTIFIED shootings? Are you not aware of the GHETTO lottery system? Look at all the ARMED honor students SHOT whose parents sue. Does that mean the officers did something wrong? NO. I hope you are not a police officer but if you are, I hope one day you find yourself in a jam like the article says.
Total bullshit on this one!!! Corp Council needs your permission to settle anything regardless of the amount. Corp Council CANNOT determine punitive damages on your behalf ever. Anybody who's been sued before knows this.
If true, I feel sorry for the CPD...used to be CPD was at the top of the game putting the worst of the worst behind bars. Those days are long gone. I really feel sorry for the guys that know how to be the police but can't because of the political bullshit and bogus lawsuits.
Signed,
A suburban cop.
IT IS TRUE! the other partner works in my unit. The city wants us to work and bring the crime rate down. THEY (the city) are the ones who imposed this $11,000.00 (fine). NOT A JUDGE OR JURY! The officers were totally justified and in the use of force module to do what they needed to do and this this the price they have to pay.
Sorry to say but it is not B.S.. Its already been done to the tune of around $10k. Out of respect for the P.O's privacy I wont post anything to detailed (nor should anyone else). They strong armed the P.O. by using the term "punitive damages" even though there is no such thing if you settle out of court. They later called it a donation to the settlement. And remember, just because a copper is getting sued DOES NOT mean he did anything wrong!!!!!
Makes you want to go right out there and work your ass off doesnt it?
The corporation counsel is throwing a lot of officers under the bus. They are making officers pay punitive damages and in some cases are refusing to indemnify them.
File grievances and sue every time the corp counsel tries this bullshit.
On the brighter side, a CPD sgt and po that was hit for 2 million in punitive damages saw the punitive damages reduced to 45 thousand. A SMART judge determined that punitive damages have to be payable, and in this case, he called out the stupid ass police hating jury and pissed in the face of Loevy of Loevy in doing so. Good call Judge Hibbler.
The sure fire way to avoid punitive damages:
One mover a day, 5 parkers a day, two bus checks a day, 19-p everything else. Keep the blinders on. go home safe.
Has worked for years. Or, you can trust your supervisors and Jody Weis to protect your house, family and future.
3/17/2009 03:00:00 AM
Wow, thats a lot of work, let me let you in on a little secret, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING AND YOU STILL GET PAID!!!
That has got to be a complete and utter falsity. The Corporation Counsel is bad but they are not that bad.
Friends, Let's hope for the best when these officers meet with the FOP Attorney regarding this matter. This information at this point is unfortunately true. The 2 officers are outstanding officers whom are very decorated and have currently been approved to recieve a Dept Commendation for their outstanding work. The city is attempting to settle with a piece of garbage who committed an Agg. Assault on one of the officers and resisted arrest. During the course of the resisting he claims injury and he refused medical attention to both these officers supervisor who arrived on scene and the districts W/C when the TRR's were completed. The officers were well within the Use of Force model! Now the city who drags their feet in awarded us a new contract is willing to pay this guy and to make matters worse take $$$ out of 2 very good officers pockets just for not only doing their jobs but also for trying to protect themselves from injury. Please keep them in mind and wish them the best through the FOP and also if a fundraiser needs to happen for both moral & fiscal support.
What about Officers in 020 who got hit with punitive damages a couple of months ago??? TRUE STORY, seems punitive damages are becoming more common. From a legal standpoint and having observed the recent jurors chosen if a case goes to trial you have to understand the jury has a say in the punitive amount granted. SO, do you really want to roll the dice and let a predominately Cook County federal juror pool choose how much you should be punished? The jurors are not objective, they bring all of their personal baggage and biases into this decision.
Assuming that this is true, and I suspect that it is at least an exageration, would it not be necessary to determine what evidence exists as to improper conduct, and, if such evidence exists, to determine just how egregious the conduct was?
Only make arrests when a citizen signs a complaint.
no way the city is paying $600k unless there is something to the lawsuit. If there is something to it, the coppers involved may be getting off cheap at $11k.
1:22 AM
BS to your Bullshit! The corp counsel has not ben ordered to go to trial on everything over 100k.
I was put through the same ordeal a few years ago. The City extorted a $1000 dollars from me to help settle a case in which I failed to report police misconduct. According to CC at the time, there had already been a precedent set involving coppers helping to settle the case by paying a portion of the settlement costs. It is there unofficial policy that any videotaped incident with "misconduct" the officers will help to contribute. I don't know what your case is about, but I'll assume there is something on video.
Initially in my case they wanted $5000 from both me and my partner. I told them to go fuck themselves for six months until they brought the amount down to my low and high amount I would be willing to pay and backing me in the corner basically posing the same scenario to me as they did you I'm sure. "Don't pay officer and we'll let this go to trial and you'll then risk the chance of paying a 5-6 figure punitive damage amount instead of the minimal settlement cost we are asking you to contribute." When I called there bluff and asked why they needed my measly $1000 and that I didn't believe their threats, they called my bluff and stated, "We'll settle the case on behalf of the City, but as for you and your partner we'll let it go to trial and good luck to you paying the punitive damage amount when you lose."
In the end I ended up buying myself out of the stress and aggravation of it all for a $1000. Just for the record these are settlement costs drawn up at a settlement conference not punitive damages. I assume yours is the same. This is a true story and I've commented about this before. The worst part about this whole event is that the FOP stood by and did nothing. Not only did they do nothing, but D.H. your and my FOP labor attorney, behind closed doors told me this was a good deal and to run with it. After I unwillingly accepted the deal he had the audacity to use this against me in a memo he would later type up in an address to the grievance committee to help persuade the committee to withdraw my grievance against the City (whole 'nother story.) Bottom line is after I paid my money or after you pay what you will be extorted to pay, the FOP should then file a grievance under Article 22. Indemnification where it states: The employer shall be responsible for, hold officers harmless from and pay for damages and monies which may be adjudged, assessed or otherwise levied against any officer covered by this agreement, subject to the conditions set forth in section 22.4(acted in the scope of your employment). I actually prepared that grievance myself about three months later and was told by Tim Fallon it was too late to file it.
There is a p.o. Who was sued, and on the alleged date was rdo and could prove it with the a&a sheets.He was named on the lawsuit as the main officer for the alleged allegations. How he was named is because his name is the same as a character playing a cop in a movie. Corp. Counsel told him you have a great case and nothing to worry about. The real kicker is the Copper gets a call 8 months later from corp. Counsel saying the city settled it being a nuisance suit because it is cheaper than fighting it in court.
Umm, maybe they screwed up and should be paying punitive damages. If the city's settling for $600,000 something went wrong.
WTF is the matter with you. Jump to conclusions like everyone else. This is true, the offer to settle is contigngent on the officers paying out of pocket. The copper and his partner were completely justified in what they did. If this is some kind of trend by Corp. Counsel to send a message, this will have a more negative effect on the department than anything that has happened so far. For the most part CC just paid the shitbirds off and that was that. Can you imagine having to fight with someone while doing your job, then winning and still have to fork over money meant for your family to some shit bag. We have to stop this while we can.
Hey you company chooches go out there and do some work. Dummies
This is true, B/c the judge threw out the entire case. Although felony Charges were aproved on the day of the arrest. 3 x convicted felon just to put some fuel to the fire. This is true.
I call bullshit too. I'm on trial in a civil suit right now where the settlement request if $65,000 and the Corp Counsel is REFUSING to pay a dime.
Anonymous dilligaf said...
I call BULLSHIT on this one. CC has been instructed to put anything over $100,000 on trial. As to telling the officers that they would have to pony up 11 G for a punitive settlement , again I call BULLSHIT.
3/17/2009 01:22:00 AM
Not bullshit, dickhead.
If this is true, I don't know how I can do less than nothing, but I've got eight hours to figure it out.
Anonymous said...
The sure fire way to avoid punitive damages:
One mover a day, 5 parkers a day, two bus checks a day, 19-p everything else. Keep the blinders on. go home safe.
Has worked for years. Or, you can trust your supervisors and Jody Weis to protect your house, family and future.
3/17/2009 03:00:00 AM
That is to much work,and you generate revenue why?
If you dont do anything but answer your calls and write good paper, nothing will happen to you DUH!
you 2 year wonders put so much goofy inaccurate crap on this blog...and every other lame cop buys it like gospel, gimme a break.
For all of you Northsiders it is written and has been written in the state law for many years that the city CAN NOT PAY A POLICE OFFICERS PUNITIVE DAMAGES, EVEN IF THEY WANT TO. Punitive damages are punishment and must be payed by the OFFICERS. Now go get your shinebox instead of doing some Southside "Whoopass" on some democrate.
Anonymous said...
Thought we were indemnified? Changing the rules in the middle of the game? AGAIN?
Two years to max out. Thinking about going now, instead, while I still own my house - - - before these clowns give that away, too.
3/17/2009 12:16:00 AM
--------
Not indemnified for punitive awards.
What to hear about another morale booster.? A sgt I know, ahem.. recently received a CL investigation where the allegation against the officer was "the complainant states he was unjustly stopped by the officer" period. A call to the POS revealed he received three citations that he believed were unjustified. The sgt called IPRA and just so happened to speak with the woman who took the complaint. She is not a new hire, been there many years. Sgt. says GO states complaint will not be taken when the only beef is when a ticket is issued. The woman replies to Sgt that her supervisor told her they have to start taking these complaints now.
Keep that activity up kids.
This is an assault upon us and the city by certain law firms that continually file civil suits against us. Is there any more to this particular case? Is this just rumor? If this is true, then I can fully understand a complete lay down by the troops. I have had my share of civil suites and one ongoing as I write, I don't have deep pockets and this kind of settlement could wipe me out. We need clarification here on this case, anybody know more?
Civil unrest is on the horizon.
YOu are not indemified for punitive damages.
Bullshit!
To dillagaf, why do you call bullshit. The city does not have to cover you for punitive damages. Who is your source that will take anything over 100,000 to trial. That sounds like BS to me. Most of the suits are over 100,000.
I got sued, BoneHead couldn't Identify us.Even said we did nothing to him and corp counsel still settled. Corp Counsel doesn't have your back or intrest in heart.
The sure fire way to avoid punitive damages:
One mover a day, 5 parkers a day, two bus checks a day, 19-p everything else. Keep the blinders on. go home safe.
-----------------------------------
I agree.......except on the 1 mover, 5 parkers. Do nothing that will generate income for this city. 2 bus checks? OK, but call for back up before you do. Never know how many cameras are on that bus. As for the 19-p everything else........hell, I've been doing that since the contract expired.
The sure fire way to avoid punitive damages:
One mover a day, 5 parkers a day, two bus checks a day, 19-p everything else. Keep the blinders on. go home safe.
ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MIND ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Why in the fuck would you generate any revenue for the city that thinks so little of your worth, that you would put money into daley's pocket ? Don't you think that he has just a little say in when our contract actually gets done ? If he cared, we wouldn't go through this EVERY contract. Most people will say to do nothing. I feel that a well timed arrest (legit of course) just before going home and then dragging your feet for a few hours to make a few extra bucks or build the comp time is the answer. If you don't like that option...a bus check, school absentee if on days, curfew if on nights is still activity and generates NO $$$$$ for jagnuts daley. Sergeant wants a mover ? Sorry, didn't see one today, or even better, all of the violations I saw today were also captured by cameras and didn't want to write the guy twice. C'mon gang, we gotta be smarter than this !
Scc, This is True. The arrest happend back in 2007 with a TRU unit. Basicly TRU does a traffic stop. They TVB the driver, and ask dude (passenger) to exit the vehicle. He Refuses. Finally he opens the door, knocking one officer to the ground,He resist's and tries to flee. Now he's under arrest for battery/agg assault.Trr's are completed felony carges are aproved. . Case gets tossed out in court b/c its cook county. 1 Po went to the hospital that day also. What a joke.
that arrest happend in the 006th dist with TRU
one mover a day, 5 parkers and bus checks...? not on my best day until the FOP & city gets off their azzes and do what they're suppose to do for us first!
im not surprised
lotta talk about a slowdown but i sure don't see any action. us the blue shirts are fools.
hold on a minute ... how about the whole story here ....
I call BULLSHIT on this one. CC has been instructed to put anything over $100,000 on trial. As to telling the officers that they would have to pony up 11 G for a punitive settlement , again I call BULLSHIT.
It's true, wake up.
I smell a BENEFIT!!! WE TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN!!!
One mover a day, 5 parkers a day, two bus checks a day,
________________________
Another Robot Tool.
By law, punitive damages against officers are supposed to paid by them, not the city. In the past, the city has paid the punitive damages against officers. Years ago, a judge told the city to stop that practice.
where were you guys when the 3 southside coppers had to pay 11 thou each for a Drinking on the Public Way pinch???
Corporation counsel can not make anyone pay punative damages only a judge or jury can. They are trying to scare you into paying some of their agreed settlement! If this is an agreed settlement and you did not approve or were not part of the negoations get an attorney and seperate from the lawsuit but you might loose and have to pay.
Anonymous said...
The sure fire way to avoid punitive damages:
One mover a day, 5 parkers a day, two bus checks a day, 19-p everything else. Keep the blinders on. go home safe.
Has worked for years. Or, you can trust your supervisors and Jody Weis to protect your house, family and future.
3/17/2009 03:00:00 AM
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thats a fine plan, but you will still find your way into a lawsuit. assist a fellow copper in need of help, get a lawsuit. Bloody woman runs at you on the street and jumps on the hood after being chased by boyfriend make a good arrest, lawsuit. The job equals lawsuit. Even the desk is able to get a lawsuit. Tort reform is all that will help, its not just here its all over America.
its true heard from an immediate relative that is the settlement the city proposed. im going kid n play on this yeah u got my back "way back". time for a complete shut down. for all you unit guys these officers where from tru.
It depends on what the lawsuit is for. There are plenty of idiots on this job who have no trouble stepping on their own d**k's. Most of these lawsuits are exaggerated by the plaintiffs and their attorneys. If Abbate's incident wasn't on tape, most of us probably wouldn't beleive a word of it. As I stated above, there are plenty of idiots who have no trouble stepping on their d**k's.
A civil trial in federal court just ended a couple weeks ago. The copper in the lawsuit (now ex-copper because he stepped on his d**k) got a $100,000 punitive judgement. The city had a $160,000
judgement. Not much of a difference there. Of the 21 counts against the city on this lawsuit, 19 were tossed out. If the ex-copper wasn't such a pos they probably would of all been tossed out. Luckily the other coppers named in the suit weren't hit with anything. I think the city did the right thing by going to trial on this. From what I heard the plaintiff was demanding millions.
I'm Callin BULLSHIT on this one. "We can settle this out of court for $600,000 AND are going to make you and your partner pay $11,000 in punitive damages."
Everyone on the planet knows the city consel has to approve anything over 100 grand and would NEVER admit liabliity by paying punitive damages.
Again.......Bullshit.
This has to be bullshit. Something as serious as this has to be thoroughly verified before being put on this blog.
Umm, maybe they screwed up and should be paying punitive damages. If the city's settling for $600,000something went wrong.
3/17/2009 04:14:00 AM
Hey Joe Citizen, adults are talking here. Stay off our blog!!! The city settles when the officers are 100% in the right and are cleared of any wrongdoing. Its civil court liberal "CSI Juries" composed of sheep like you that forces the city to settle because your hearts bleed for the poor repeat offender/convicted felon who had his feelings hurt by the big bad po-po. GO FIST YOURSELF!!!!
How much will the Corp Council get under the table?
The city has been hireing private law firms, and they have been winning.
if this is a rumor i still believe its coming. that said i spoke to a p.i. lawyer about a trust for protection. she stated that trusts are no good. she said if i was really concerned i should purchase a supplemental insurance policy. her advice was if a cop is out there being aggressive they should buy insurance. fop should contact providers about group rates.
I've been to corp counsel more than a few times and I call bullshit on this one. The plantiff doesn't care where the money comes from and isn't going to impose that into the settlement. A judge nor a jury cannot rule for punitive without hearing the case first. If it were true this "rumor" would be much louder and widespread.
As much as a beating we are taking from lawyers, don't forget we are the bread and butter of criminal defense lawyers,judges, p.d.s and prosecutors. Fewer arrests, less work for them and more layoffs and less hours billed. Further more, sooner or later, police lawsuits would drop too. Sooner or later the pond will be overfished and maybe things will come into balance again
Punitive damages are determined by a Judge or Jury, after a trial. The Corporation Counsel cannot decide what the punitive damages would be when they make an 'out of court settlement.'
What I'd be interested to know is, exactly who says this case before an effing jury? It's the DEFENDANT'S choice to a trial by jury or a bench trial, NOT the plaintiff's.
The CITY, as is usually named as a defendant, can choose a jury or a judge.
YOU, as a defendant are guaranteed by the illinois constitution to your OWN choice of trial by jury or bench.
NEVER be so stupid as to let the CITY dictate your case will go before a jury in some effort to intimidate you into accepting blame for nothing, and allowing punitive damages to be determined by a friggin' jury.
YOU tell corp counsel as the first words out of your mouth, if you want a trial that is, that you will seek a BENCH trial and you will accept nothing less as it is YOUR right to choose, not corp counsel.
Secondly, if you are stupid enough to even think of doing anything OTHER than the minimal amount required by law you are a fool if you don't have all your assets covered in a trust or any other available tool to separate YOU from your HOUSE, PROPERTY, EXPENSIVE CARS, JEWELRY and ANY OTHER ITEMS YOU OWN THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED ASSETS TO SEIZE.
The best that can be done at THAT point is to garnish your wages. Good luch on that one seeing as how most assholes can't be found from one year to the next and they certainly don't have bank accounts to direct deposit into, and if they don't get mail, they don't get a check either.
If you wanna start PAYING for the equivalent of malpractice insurance, go right ahead because this is EXACTLY what is being conducted here. They city can use this tactic as a tool against aggressive officers to prevent further lawsuits, and a new insurance industry will be springing up soon known as "Police Malpractice".
Just watch. Insurance scam on the way.
Its true........I know two coppers personally who were told to pay three thousand apiece to keep the City council happy.
The corporation counsel is throwing a lot of officers under the bus. They are making officers pay punitive damages and in some cases are refusing to indemnify them.
File grievances and sue every time the corp counsel tries this bullshit.
On the brighter side, a CPD sgt and po that was hit for 2 million in punitive damages saw the punitive damages reduced to 45 thousand. A SMART judge determined that punitive damages have to be payable, and in this case, he called out the stupid ass police hating jury and pissed in the face of Loevy of Loevy in doing so. Good call Judge Hibbler.
This is on the "brighter side"??? I'll tell you the truth, it really doesn't matter if it's $45,000 or 45 million. I still don't have it and it will change my life drastically no matter what amount they use to punish me for doing my job to the best of my ability. Punitive damages....they're here and they're real.
I'm starting to think this is all part some evil "master plan".
1. the city let's manpower fall to such low levels it endangers everyone's safety.
2. Once the crime rate rises, the city institutes stop gap measure by contracting out most patrol functions to private companies. the people rejoice because the city is doing something about it.
3. The city starts settling and applying punitive damges against sworn police. Police respond by becoming less aggressive.
4. private contractors who are picking up the slack of basic patrol become the one's who get sued while CPD is only there to make an arrest on the signed complaint.
The city saves money since they don't need as many sworn police. the large private security firms take the hit for use of force beefs. CPD becomes an investigative unit arresting for crimes that have already been committed. By using private security in the neighborhood, CPD become a smaller, leaner police dept. that requires far less resources to maintin law and order.
Anonymous said...
One mover a day, 5 parkers a day, two bus checks a day,
________________________
Another Robot Tool.
3/17/2009 01:01:00 PM
Yup. A tool who won't go on the bad boy CR list and a tool who never has had to pay punitive damages and never will and a tool who goes home at night and sleeps soundly.
A tool who will never get indicted and who never again will gnash his teeth and wonder how to be an effective and aggressive police officer without jeopardizing my home and family's security. And a tool who will retire in a couple of years and never look back.
So go ahead, don't be a tool, see where it gets you. I was there, Now I coast and don't have to give statements or depositions or get cross examined during lawsuits.
If that's your choice then have at it. Not me, no more.
punitive damages are awarded by the court, or a jury acting as the voice of the court. You sir, are full of crap!
Remember you did this to yourself by being hardchargers for all those years. The citizens are sick of the bullshit arrests and the supervisors lied to you about having your back. Stop working and protect yourself, your job and your family. I see what patrol brings in on a daily basis at the area, don't get hurt over the BS. The tools in specialized units are the new scabs of the city and not to be trusted. Good luck Blue shirts and fuck the blue jeans.
For all of you Northsiders it is written and has been written in the state law for many years that the city CAN NOT PAY A POLICE OFFICERS PUNITIVE DAMAGES, EVEN IF THEY WANT TO. Punitive damages are punishment and must be payed by the OFFICERS. Now go get your shinebox instead of doing some Southside "Whoopass" on some democrate.
3/17/2009 10:55:00 AM
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Wow, you must be the smartest person in the whole wide world. How does it feel to be better and smarter then everyone else? I guess you really told us.
Just one thing asswhooping crackerjack lawyer supercop, these are NOT punitive damages. There has been no finding of any wrong doing in a court of law. The c.c. is extorting money from the coppers by telling them if they dont pay up they will lose the case (all the while they plan on settling it anyway). We are indemnified while acting within the scope of our duties, but the c.c. is using the likeliyhood that a cook county jury is willing to hand out money even when our actions are justified as leverage to put the squeeze on coppers for money. And when the lawyer representing you tells you if you dont play ball you will lose, how hard is he going to work to represent your best interest if you decide not to pay? Does this sound right to you?
The shinebox thing is a little played out dont you think? Let the grownups handle this, oh, I think casino is on tonight, hurry up and get your pjs on and maybe mommy will make you a grilled cheese sandwich.
I heard CPS is having a shortage of chalk. Is that true? Why would we lack chalk. Can we make chalk out of salt?
hey 3am, you must be a suckass!! 1 mover and 5 parkers a day? Assuming those are only 50 dollar parkers thats 250 bucks for richie not even counting that mover. Great way to fuck everything up. Daley loves guys like you, just on parkers alone you have paid your daily salary plus part of another coppers. Richie says thank you
Home invasion in 010 this AM. Home owner ended up out outside the residence with the offenders.
Shot once in the chest, DOA at the hospital.
No street stops = more crime. Violent crime at that.
Maybe Dick and his band of 50 brohams can hit the streets and stop the criminals.
The city must imdenify you if they settle, if you lose at trial you are liable for punitive, cannot be paid by city, don't fall for bs and rumors, if coppers are hit with punitive, they lost their case.
I'm the contact card event number police....that's all they get from me.
I am the original poster of this comment. Perhaps in my original statement, I shouldn't have called it punitive damages, and perhaps that is not what the corp. counsel called it. Maybe you want to call it what the city thinks is the "officers fair share".
Call it what you want; but:
1) The story is TRUe I heard it from one officer involved.
2) The City wants the officers to pay something.
3) All those of you calling B.S., please sign your name, so I don't contribute to your 'B.S.' fundraiser when it happens to you !
Thank you
SCC,
Why do you put shit like this up? Umbrella policies? For Punitives? In civil right cases?!?!? Get real. No such thing.
Unfortunately totally true one of the P.O's involved is a good friend of mine, the whole thing is completely infuriating. Shithead fights w/them, one P.O goes to the hospital as a result and you want them to pay $ out of their own pockets????? TOTAL B.S!!!!!
For all of you Northsiders it is written and has been written in the state law for many years that the city CAN NOT PAY A POLICE OFFICERS PUNITIVE DAMAGES, EVEN IF THEY WANT TO. Punitive damages are punishment and must be payed by the OFFICERS. Now go get your shinebox instead of doing some Southside "Whoopass" on some democrate.
Um... loser, first it is Democrat not Democrate. First hint is if there is a little red line under the word you just typed it is spelled wrong. Second being a Northside cop my entire life I know about indemnification and the laws that govern it. That shouldn't be a northside or southside thing it should be a police thing. Get your head out of your ass and realize it's us against everyone else, if we fight amongst each other it only will get worse. Now go get your shine box and turn it sideways and stick it straight up your candy ass gel boy
As a citizen reader and insurance adjuster who handles injury claims, I would urge you to have your own counsel representing you in a matter when you are named as a defendent. That means criminal as you know and or civil defendent. Either FOP provides it or get an attorney from somewhere. The corporaton counsel is the attorney for the city. They may also represent you but their interests are primarily with the City. They could sell you out to protect the City. It is simply imperative that you have your own counsel. I find this story hard to believe but I'm not saying its bullshit. Its just a reminder that you want your own counsel to develop YOUR case strategy and defend YOU. Years with no contract and now these sons of bitches pull this bullshit. I am no longer critical of those of you who advocate depolicing. Too many people in Chicago are no longer good citizens. I guess they get their lead from politicians who are no longer good stewards of the public interest. The turd is indeed rolling down the hill.
Anonymous said...
Umm, maybe they screwed up and should be paying punitive damages. If the city's settling for $600,000 something went wrong.
3/17/2009 04:14:00 AM
Hey Dickhead, this site is for coppers not liberal jagoffs and lawyers.
I really do not believe this one.
Lets keep the integrity of this site.
This kind of stuff is going to ruin a great forum.
"I might be paranoiac;but that does not mean they are not really after me"
How can you make Judgment without any facts of the case...
SOmehing fishy with this story ,, THE SKY IS FALLING THE SKY IS FALLING ...
again SCC if the "if true" bullshit... doing more harm than good... thou thinks you have your own kool aid drinkers ... OOO YEA !!!
If this is true, I don't know how I can do less than nothing, but I've got eight hours to figure it out.
3/17/2009 10:21:00 AM
I love this comment, I wish I would have thought of it. I guess I was too busy doing less than nothing to think about it.
These clowns fucked up and you are jumping on their bandwagon? Announcement in rollcall today to make sure all our paper jives. This is what killed these two.
JUDGE JUDY: if you read this blog PLEASE request a transfer to this city.
dilligaf said...
I call BULLSHIT on this one. CC has been instructed to put anything over $100,000 on trial. As to telling the officers that they would have to pony up 11 G for a punitive settlement , again I call BULLSHIT.
3/17/2009 01:22:00 AM
_________________________________________
I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH THAT I NEVER HAD TO GO TO CORP COUNCIL FOR ANYTHING, SO I DON'T KNOW THE INS AND OUTS OF HOW THINGS WORK, BUT I WORK WITH ONE OF THE OFFICERS INVOLVED IN THIS CASE AND CAN ASSURE YOU THIS STORY IS TRUE!!
THEY WERE TOLD THE CITY WOULDN'T SETTLE UNLESS THE OFFICERS PAID A PORTION. IF THEY DIDN'T PAY, THEY WOULD GO TO TRIAL AND RISK LOSING AND PAYING $100,000 IN PUNITIVE DAMAGES.
_________________________________________
Anonymous said...
Scc, This is True. The arrest happend back in 2007 with a TRU unit. Basicly TRU does a traffic stop. They TVB the driver, and ask dude (passenger) to exit the vehicle. He Refuses. Finally he opens the door, knocking one officer to the ground,He resist's and tries to flee. Now he's under arrest for battery/agg assault.Trr's are completed felony carges are aproved. . Case gets tossed out in court b/c its cook county. 1 Po went to the hospital that day also. What a joke.
3/17/2009 12:19:00 PM
_________________________________________
YES, THIS WAS BASICALLY THE STORY...
LET ME JUST ADD THE OFFENDER IS A VIOLENT MULTI TIME CONVICTED FELON AND A HIGH RANKING GANG MEMBER...INFORMATION THAT IS NOT ALLOWED TO BE BROUGHT INTO COURT! HOWEVER, A LIST OF OFFICER'S NAMES WITH CR'S THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH A CERTAIN CASE ARE ALLOWED!!
3/17/2009 09:30:00 AM
They are wagon guys and I don't see them as very decorated. They did get a bad break and this is the new evil, we have to deal with.
The guy who sued them got arrested last year for home invasion, but was knocked down to CTTR.
you'd think thatwould have made a difference in the case.
Damn!!
If this shit is really true then I would like to take this moment to inform the upright citizens of Chicago with much regret, Y.O.Y.O.
Corpse Counsel does not have enough collective brain power to come up with shit this insidious & evil without direction from shortshanks & his braintrust.
Short-Biggie is in the midst of conducting the most far reaching pogrom ever conducted against the Chicago Police Department. J-fed along with his g-henchmen are the executioners. The sworn exempts are aiding & abetting this sin and shame in hope that when the time comes for the executioners them selves to be executed, they will be spared and or exempted from having a Tokarev with one round in the chamber slid across their desks with a wink/nod for them to "do the honorable thing."
The union has been hopelessly co-opted and rendered irrelevant by shortshanks design with a more than a little self serving by Donohue & Co. IMHO, fuck F(L)OP as they've demonstrated their worthlessness time and again and I say that based on several personal experiences.
I hope they forever run & cry in their sleep for the whoredoms they've committed against the membership for personal gain, in addition to the lackadaisical manner and lack of due diligence in attending to the interests of THE MEMBERSHIP.
The only thing we have is our ability to survive, which is driving shortshanks mad which is why you see so much shit being thrown at the department by the politicians, media and citizens.
It's empty feel good stuff not unlike cotton-candy to beat up on the Police. We're "too old/too fat/too heavy-handed/too overpaid/too this & that." But I don't see any critics volunteering for a tour in tha' Wood or Harrison or Gresham.
Meh... I hate what has happened to the job I loved so much... the camaraderie, helping people who need it & putting dirty, rotten, decayed-ass muthafuckahs in prison.
Now the dirty, rotten, decayed-ass muthafuckahs are coached by storefront clergy (a special fire burns in HELL for these preachers of false doctrine, perpetual victimology & evasion of personal responsibility... Jesus does weep) to file bogus complaints to "keep the police on their toes," err away from their drug dealing. (hello IRS?)
Oh well. Hey J-fed, I'm having a very nice Calvados & good cigar on my deck. Sorry, none for you. Now go give your four legged "children" their mid-week tongue bath since you don't relate to bipeds other than the Mrs. so well.
Maybe J-Fed will donate 3.5% of his salary to these two officers in their fundraiser to cover their expenses. Then he could really talk about having our backs....
BTW, can you imagine $11000 being only 3.5% of your salary? It's closer to 15% of mine. Geez, what a job.
The sure fire way to avoid punitive damages:
One mover a day, 5 parkers a day, two bus checks a day, 19-p everything else. Keep the blinders on. go home safe.
*********************************
You're a fuckin' idiot! How about NO movers, NO parkers and NO bus checks. How about NO nothing!!! Quit being a suckass and let go of the WC's ballpouch.
"BTW, can you imagine $11000 being only 3.5% of your salary? It's closer to 15% of mine. Geez, what a job.
3/17/2009 10:59:00 PM"
Now imagine that $11,000 being .1% of your yearly bonus.
Anonymous said...
One mover a day, 5 parkers a day, two bus checks a day,
________________________
Another Robot Tool.
3/17/2009 01:01:00 PM
Yup. A tool who won't go on the bad boy CR list and a tool who never has had to pay punitive damages and never will and a tool who goes home at night and sleeps soundly.
A tool who will never get indicted and who never again will gnash his teeth and wonder how to be an effective and aggressive police officer without jeopardizing my home and family's security. And a tool who will retire in a couple of years and never look back.
So go ahead, don't be a tool, see where it gets you. I was there, Now I coast and don't have to give statements or depositions or get cross examined during lawsuits.
If that's your choice then have at it. Not me, no more.
________________________________
You missed the point company man, you're a robot tool because of the mover and parkers you write daily.
How about the Courts understanding that the police never will get a fair trial. Again, the Police never will get a fair trial in any court in Cook County, from any court or from any jury in our county the police are the ones who are facing the prejudges and racist allegations. The deck is stacked and the public, council, judges, and media hate the police and want the police to suffer.
The Corporation Council is just that: The City's attorney. Not yours the police's.
Part of a long standing agreement is that you have to cooperate with them in lawsuits to aid in defending the case. But their legal interests in the case are different from yours.
The lawsuit is against the city and the officers. The city can offer to settle its part of the case, but can say you have to pay this as you are both co-defendants.
If that is the case that the Corp Council can just jetison you, then I see NO reason why you should be obligated to participate in their legal defense.
Years ago there were some sharp people in the Corp Council's office. But they have moved on, either retired or to real lawfirms. They got tired of the politically connected hacks that were being hired.
YES, THIS WAS BASICALLY THE STORY...
LET ME JUST ADD THE OFFENDER IS A VIOLENT MULTI TIME CONVICTED FELON AND A HIGH RANKING GANG MEMBER...INFORMATION THAT IS NOT ALLOWED TO BE BROUGHT INTO COURT! HOWEVER, A LIST OF OFFICER'S NAMES WITH CR'S THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH A CERTAIN CASE ARE ALLOWED!!
3/17/2009 10:27:00 PM
-----------------------------
We should start handing out business cards with ARDC's number on them. Inform the #$%@heads that if they beef on attorney they will get lower bills, better chance in trial etc. See how they like it.
"To dillagaf, why do you call bullshit. The city does not have to cover you for punitive damages. Who is your source that will take anything over 100,000 to trial. That sounds like BS to me. Most of the suits are over 100,000."
Didn't say the company has to cover you for punitive damages. It's not part of a settlement since there is no admission of liability. My source on the 100K is my attorney from the CC who is currently handling a federal lawsuit in which I've been named as a defendant. IF this is true, then its fucked up. No where in the contract nor in the law says we have to pony up if we are acting within the scope of our employment.(Unless the jury deems otherwise, BEG FOR A CHANGE OF VENUE TO THE FEDERAL COURT!!!!)
FWIW--Both Plaintiff and Defendant have the choice as to whether a PI case is heard by a judge or jury. When the Plaintiff files a case he chooses. If the Plaintiff chooses judge, the Defendant can still have a jury if he wants one. But if the Plaintiff chooses jury, then that's what it will be.
Also, no insurance company that I know of will issue a policy to cover punitive damages. Most won't even issue a policy covering intentional actions (like giving some mope who really deserves it a good crack).
Finally, in the real world, if the mope is willing to settle a case for, lets say, $71,000.00, he wouldn't give a damn whether the POs kick in or not. Sounds like the CC is just trying to cut their losses here.
OK, I'll have a glass of warm milk and lie down until things get better.
i call bullshit too, bc on my lawsuit, the corp counsel stated that if they didnt settle for 99000, then it would go to trial, and guess what, the mutts settled, its all bullshit, everything. the weis conspiracy, all orchestrated by daley to keep the real investigations from coming forward and that is that is that his hands have been in every cookie jar, airports, all city and state contracts, even his son's sewer deal, dirtierrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr then red, i wish my wife was that dirty
Anonymous said...
you 2 year wonders put so much goofy inaccurate crap on this blog...and every other lame cop buys it like gospel, gimme a break.
3/17/2009 10:41:00 AM
Hey Jody kissass, find your own blog. It is true, my Lt and Captain both told the story.
Fuck the Corp Consel!
what about the 004th district tac guys that have to pay punitive damages for the "drinking on the publicway"
Only make arrests when a citizen signs a complaint.
################################
That is one of the best comments I have seen on this blog...
I always tell the "newbies" I get stuck working with to GET THE COMPLAINT SIGNED FIRST, if possible, any time someone demands you arrest another person.
Especially in domestics before you put your hands on the offender, who then decides to resist, and you have to use force to control the subject. Then the other party doesn't want to sign the complaint and turns on you.
Been to Corp. Counsel recently and they are interrogating you (counselors) to tell their Chief Counsel IF you are worth their EFFORTS.....
That is the feel I got out of the many meets....
If they feel you are NOT worth their efforts they will now make sure your punitive sanction FITS your action!!
My feeling here but maybe others that heave been there can ellaborate on this.....
Be careful (Narcotics Guys and Tac/Gang w/search warrants etc......) Units and plainclothes guys are the MOST proactive in these measures and contrary to what SOME think ...THE BEEFS go hand in hand with PROACTIVITY!
You better have your story straight and do thing right!!!
Not much room for error anymore....ask anyone that has been there before if your are concerned!
Don't be the scapegoat or the first one thrown under the bus for something DUDE sues for!
CPD VET
Umbrella liability policy does not cover punitive damages. Nice thought though.
The lawsuit is against the city and the officers. The city can offer to settle its part of the case, but can say you have to pay this as you are both co-defendants.
Wrong you are indemnified if they settle the case, if it goes to trial and you lose, then you are liable for punitive, which cannot be paid by the city, your only option if you lose is to appeal the award given to the plaintiff and hope the judge lowers it.
what about the 004th district tac guys that have to pay punitive damages for the "drinking on the publicway"
It wasn't a settlement, they lost the case at trial, thus they are liable for punitive.
Any award offered by the city over $99,999 must be approved by city council.
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