In a gripping legal battle, a couple's pursuit of justice following a severe car accident involving a police officer has taken center stage in Illinois. On March 31, 2025, Lytiesa Little and her husband Reginald Little filed an appeal in the Appellate Court of Illinois, First Judicial District, challenging the damages awarded to them after Lytiesa sustained significant injuries in a collision with an on-duty Chicago police officer, Gloria Tirado. The Littles' case against Officer Tirado and the City of Chicago was initially heard in the Circuit Court of Cook County.
The incident occurred on August 26, 2018, when Lytiesa Little was driving through an intersection on Kildare Avenue and Madison Street in Chicago. Despite having a green light, her vehicle collided with Officer Tirado's police car as it entered the intersection against a red light. The plaintiffs alleged that Officer Tirado was driving at excessive speeds and engaged in reckless conduct by not stopping at the red light while responding to an emergency call. This negligence led to severe injuries for Lytiesa, including spinal fractures and brain trauma.
During the trial held in May 2022, evidence presented included testimonies from medical professionals detailing Lytiesa's extensive treatment journey—from surgeries to rehabilitation therapies—and expert opinions estimating future medical costs and loss of household services. Despite these arguments, the jury awarded $10.6 million but reduced it to $8 million due to finding Lytiesa partially responsible for her injuries.
The Littles appealed this decision, arguing that crucial elements of damages were overlooked by the jury. They sought additional compensation for past medical expenses totaling approximately $770,000 and projected costs for potential future surgeries estimated at $200,000. Furthermore, they contended that Reginald's loss of household services provided by his wife should have been valued at over $700,000 based on expert economic testimony.
The defense countered these claims by questioning the credibility of some expert testimonies and highlighting inconsistencies in accounts regarding Officer Tirado’s actions during the collision. Ultimately, Justice Reyes affirmed the lower court’s judgment stating there was no evidence suggesting any proven element of damages was ignored or that prejudice influenced the verdict.
Representing their interests were attorneys from both sides: Justices Martin and D.B. Walker concurred with Justice Reyes’ judgment while Judges Casandra Lewis (retired) and Maura Slattery Boyle presided over different stages of proceedings under Case ID No. 1-23-1131.