Illinois Tort Immunity Cases

Summary: This Illinois Supreme Court case clarified the application of the Tort Immunity Act regarding police liability. It involved a high-speed chase where a fleeing suspect injured third parties. The Court ruled that the Act’s absolute immunity under Section 4-106 (immunity for injuries caused by escaping prisoners) applied, and it rejected judicially created exceptions to immunity absent explicit statutory language. This reinforced strong immunity protections for police and municipalities.

Summary: This Illinois Supreme Court case addressed whether police failure to respond to a 911 call about a stranded motorist (who was later killed) fell under Tort Immunity Act protections. The Court ruled that Section 4-102 provided absolute immunity for failing to provide police protection, absent willful and wanton conduct, emphasizing the Act’s broad shield for police inaction.

Coleman v. E. Joliet Fire Prot. Dist. https://casetext.com/case/coleman-v-e-joliet-fire-prot-dist-1 (Eliminating public duty doctrine in favor of tort immunity statute)

Andrade v. City of Kankakee https://casetext.com/case/andrade-v-city-of-kankakee-1 (police officers not liable for shooting at a courthouse)

Robinson v. Village of Sauk Village https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/supreme-court/2022/127236.html (liability regarding a chase and potential escape)

Taylor v. City of Chicago https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-first-appellate-district/2024/1-22-1232.html (City liable under domestic violence act after victim was killed)

Illinois Bar Association Article about Illinois Supreme Court public duty doctrine ruling