TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 1, 2025
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. John P. Murray, Acting Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle claim of Lasonya Alexander v. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, et al., Case No. 2023 L 4223 Account 901-30000-667220
Body
Dear Sir:
On April 28, 2022, at approximately 11:00 p.m., while on duty, an officer of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (the “District”) was involved in a motor vehicle accident with LaSonya Alexander (“Plaintiff”). The accident took place at the intersection of Monroe Street and Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois. As a result, Plaintiff filed a personal injury lawsuit captioned Lasonya Alexander v. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, et al., Case No. 2023 L 4223 (“Alexander Lawsuit”). This matter is pending in the Law Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. Plaintiff claims she incurred $749,179.74 in medical expenses for injuries to her neck, low back, knee and hip that her doctors relate to the accident. A jury trial is set to commence on May 19, 2025.
On April 23, 2025, the parties appeared before Circuit Court Judge Michael Otto for a Pretrial Conference, during which settlement discussions were initiated. Following those discussions, the Plaintiff has agreed to accept $800,000.00 in full and final settlement of all claims arising out of the accident.
The General Counsel finds the proposed settlement to be in the best interest of the District to avoid the uncertainties and risk of trial. Accordingly, the General Counsel respectfully requests that the Board of Commissioners grant authority to settle the Alexander Lawsuit in the total amount of $800,000.00. Additionally, the General Counsel requests authority to execute such documents as may be necessary to effectuate and finalize this settlement.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel, STM:JTM:RL
Recommended, John P. Murray, Acting Executive Director
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for May 1, 2025