Illinois Supreme Court Denied Chicago Appeal in Fatal Crash
The city must pay $10.5 million to the family of Tuong Lam following a 2018 police pursuit.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The Illinois Supreme Court has declined to hear Chicago's appeal of a wrongful death lawsuit, clearing the way for the city to pay $10.5 million to the family of Tuong Lam. Lam died in a 2018 vehicle crash caused by a police pursuit that officers failed to report to dispatchers.
Why it matters
A jury found that Chicago police officers violated department policy by failing to complete a required risk assessment during the high-speed chase. The ruling solidifies the financial obligation for the city in a year where pursuit-related payouts have reached significant levels.
The Illinois Supreme Court denied the city's appeal, making the 2023 Cook County jury verdict final in 21 days. Jusef Wofford, the driver involved in the fatal crash, is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence.
The players
Tuong Lam
He was the victim who died in a vehicle crash involving a Chicago police pursuit.
Jusef Wofford
He pleaded guilty to aggravated driving under the influence and received a nine-year prison sentence.
Illinois Supreme Court
This is the highest court in the state that denied the city's request to review the verdict.
Chicago
This municipal government is responsible for the payout following the findings of police policy violations.
The details
The fatal incident occurred after officers initiated a 1.5-mile chase for a traffic violation, reaching speeds of 90 miles per hour. During the pursuit near Devon and Kedzie avenues in Lincolnwood, the suspect drove the wrong way down a one-way street before the collision that killed Tuong Lam.
Timeline
April 13, 2018: Tuong Lam died in a vehicle crash.
2023: A Cook County jury awarded $10.5 million to the Lam family.
September 30, 2026: The Illinois Supreme Court rejected the city's appeal.
October 21, 2026: The Supreme Court decision is set to become final.
2029: Jusef Wofford is scheduled to be released from prison.
Legal Context
This case highlights the ongoing financial impact of police pursuit policies in Chicago, where lawsuits have resulted in substantial payouts. The judicial decision aligns with a year of increased scrutiny regarding how the city manages liability in high-speed traffic enforcement.
The settlement payment marks a significant expenditure for the city, reflecting the high cost of police policy violations. Residents and local businesses may see continued focus on city budgetary management regarding legal settlements for municipal operations.
The takeaway
The court's refusal to hear the appeal underscores the legal consequences of failing to adhere to mandatory risk assessments during police chases. Drivers should remain aware of local traffic enforcement patterns and the potential risks posed during high-speed police operations.
Further reading
Learn more about local oversight in Law Enforcement.
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