Woman sues city for negligence after body found inside submerged vehicle

A woman is suing the City of Chicago over negligence she claims played a role in a man's death.

Lynda Jansson, as special administrator of  Michael Jansson's estate, filed the lawsuit Nov. 7 in the Cook County Circuit Court through Chicago attorney Leonard S. Becker.

According to her complaint, city employees pulled a 1992 Buick LaSabre out of the Chicago River on Dec. 16, 2012.

The car was allegedly found underwater near the 1100 block of West Blackhawk Street. The vehicle was reported stolen back in March of 2001 and the car, as well as Michael Jansson, have been missing ever since, the suit states.

Police allegedly investigated the car theft in 2001 and determined that Michael Jansson had stolen the car and fled the area to escape prosecution, according to the suit that goes on to say he was found dead inside the submerged vehicle.

Lynda Jansson is now suing the City of Chicago, claiming that Michael Jansson died as a result of the city's negligence in providing a barrier between the road and the Chicago River.

Despite the fact there were barriers in place, she claims in her suit that they were inadequate and should have prevented Michael Jansson and the car he allegedly stole from plunging into the river more than a decade ago.

She is seeking more than $50,000 in damages.

Circuit Court of Cook County Case No. 2013L012316.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.