By KATE SCHOTT
Law Bulletin staff writer
A convicted purse snatcher who admitted buying heroin with the stolen
money is responsible for compensating the robbery victim for her injuries
through an automobile insurance policy, a Cook County jury decided Wednesday.
The jury awarded the plaintiff $300,000. State Farm Insurance Co. will
pay at least $100,000, and the plaintiffs lawyers are seeking a declaratory
judgment in the Chancery Division that would triple the amount to be paid by the
insurer.
"It is not often that a drug addict has auto insurance to cover a claim," said
plaintiff attorney Brian J. Lewis of Baizer & Kolar.
On May 31, 1999, Michael Robson, then 20, drove his father's sport utility
vehicle alongside 39-year-old Tamara Cianci in a foods store parking lot in
Schaumburg, and ripped Cianci's purse from her shoulder as he accelerated the
car, according to the lawsuit.
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Cianci suffered a broken collarbone, permanent hearing loss after her head
hit the pavement and emotional distress, Lewis said.
Robson was caught by police two days later and pleaded guilty to robbery in
Cook County Circuit Court.
Fortunately for Cianci, Lewis said, the defendant's father had automobile
insurance.
But less than two months before the trial, Lewis said, State Farm claimed
that a $100,000 policy limit not a $1 million limit applied to this incident.
The declaratory action is intended to decide what policy limit is applicable and
whether the jury's entire award will be issued.
Circuit Judge Martin S. Agran presided over the trial. A judge has yet to be
assigned to the Chancery Court action.
David E. Neumeister of Querrey & Harrow is representing State Farm in
the action. He could not be reached for comment.
Joseph P. DiPino of Beveriy & Pause represented Robson. DiPino was un-
available for comment.
Tamara Cianci v. Michael Robson, No. 99 L 14378.
Reprinted with permission of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. |
