An Inclusive Litany
12/21/92
In Waterbury, Connecticut, Dominic Monte was awarded $594,000 in
damages for an accident that occurred when Monte crashed his
motorcycle into a parked car while police were pursuing him for
speeding. Under Connecticut's policy of "comparative negligence," a
plaintiff whose negligence doesn't exceed 50 percent can receive
damages. The jury decided that Monte, who was ticketed and admitted to
speeding at about 80 m.p.h., was only 50 percent at fault. The jury
also decided that the police officer and his "pursuit tactics"
earned a 30 percent share, and that his superior officer earned 10
percent for failing to provide his officers with adequate high-speed
pursuit training. The remaining 10 percent went to Enrique Navarez,
into whose parked car Monte crashed, and who now may be on the hook
for $118,800.