Tag Archives: Collinsville

Collinsville, Illinois Police Sued for Unlawful Search and Arrest

November 19, 2014 Mike Glisson

Problems with police arrests such as the one in Cambridge, Massachusetts (involving a Harvard professor), can occur in local towns such as Collinsville, Illinois. There, a couple living in a beautiful subdivision, were subject to an unlawful search and arrest.

The Collinsville police had come to the house because of a loud music complaint. The couple had music playing in the living room with the windows open. Their teenage son was having a birthday party in the basement.

When the couple asked the police what they wanted, the police stated they were there for a noise complaint. The police had stepped into the house without permission. The homeowners asked the police to step outside to discuss the matter. The police refused.

When there was a noise from inside the house, the police, despite the protest of the owners, proceeded to search the basement and arrested underage drinkers. In the process the parents were arrested for obstructing justice and resisting arrest. Both parents were injured by the police and taken into custody in handcuffs.

Fortunately, the State dismissed the charges against the parents. A federal lawsuit ensued where the parents claimed violation of their Constitutional Rights, battery, trespass, and false imprisonment.

In cases such as this, the police only have a right to enter a home if they have a search warrant or probable cause that a crime is being committed. No person can be arrested without there being probable cause that they have committed a crime.

Without a warrant or probable cause, citizens have the right to sue for damages for violation of Federal Civil Rights as well as for State claims for battery, trespass, and false imprisonment.

The law firm of WWF&G successfully represented this family, by filing suit, deposing the police officers involved, and moving the case towards trial. The case was settled out of court confidentially before a trial was necessary. If you or family members have had similar problems, WWF&G has the experience to determine if civil damages are available and to proceed with suit. Please contact us for a free consultation at 618-462-1077.

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Collinsville Illinois Car Accident Caused by Local Police Officer Resolved

November 19, 2014 Mike Glisson

The City of Collinsville has settled out of court for a case in which a city police officer caused a car accident.

The plaintiff, who was represented by Attorney Michael P. Glisson, suffered injuries to her left shoulder, neck and lower back on Nov. 9, 2007 when a Collinsville police officer ran a red light at the intersection of Keebler Ave. and Beltline Rd. in Collinsville. Since the T-bone collision accident, The driver has undergone two back surgeries, and she has permanent limitations as a result of the crash.

The officer failed to use his sirens while entering the intersection at a red light. On his way back from a defensive driving class, the officer heard the police dispatcher calling officers to respond to a bank robbery. The officer testified that he was going to assist with the robbery, but failed to inform the dispatcher that he was on his way.

A witness to the wreck testified in a deposition that the plaintiff had the green light and that the officer appeared to be putting on his coat while going through a red light. The police car swung around and struck a second car also going through the green light. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 103,156 people were injured in car accidents in 2007, and 1248 people died.

The depositions of numerous officers and personnel were taken concerning the incident and procedures. The case was settled for a significant amount before a trial was necessary.

Cases involving municipalities such as the City of Collinsville need to be filed within one year, which is less than the typical statute of limitations of two years.

The personal injury attorneys at Williamson, Webster, Falb and Glisson are experienced in filing suits against municipal entities, including police departments, school districts and parks. You can feel confident that our attorneys will provide the competence and care needed to effectively handle such cases. Please visit the WWF&G website to learn more about how we can assist in auto injury cases.

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Collinsville Illinois Rail Worker Sues Employer for Multiple Injuries

November 19, 2014 Mike Glisson

A Collinsville, IL resident has filed a workplace injury lawsuit against the railway company that had employed him for 40 years.

According to a story published Nov. 23 in the Madison / St. Clair Record, the man sought damages in excess of $75,000 for work-related injuries to his upper body that have affected his ability to work.

The plaintiff claims the injuries were not caused all at once, but rather repeated trauma throughout the course of his career as a rail worker. Hazardous working conditions caused serious damage to his body over four decades.

Injuries occurring on the job can be serious whether they occur on the railroads, waterways, or at everyday jobs. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Report for 2009 states that 200,000 work-related accidents occur in Illinois in each year, and approximately 55,000 of them are reported to the commission. 1,756 new cases were filed in Collinsville last year, and an additional 1,374 were filed in Belleville.

The attorneys with Williamson, Webster, Falb & Glisson understand the complicated issues that accompany suing an employer due to one or more personal injuries. Situations like this are best handled with professional assistance, as demonstrated by this testimonial from WWF&G client Richard T.:

“The law firm of WWF&G assisted me with a workers compensation claim,” he said. “I attempted to settle my case without an attorney for less than $20,000. The settlement was rejected by the arbitrator, and I hired the firm of WWF&G to assist me with my case. The case was arbitrated, and I received an award in excess of $150,000. Needless to say, I was very pleased with my representation.”