Romanucci & Blandin files civil lawsuit on behalf of man paralyzed by Chicago police officers

CHICAGO (August 14, 2023) – Romanucci & Blandin, LLC and Abdallah Law have filed a civil lawsuit against the City of Chicago and six Chicago Police Department officers after excessive use of force left a Chicago man permanently paralyzed at 37 years old.

Raymond Comer, while in the process of parking a friend’s vehicle on August 12, 2022, at 2153 Adams Street in Chicago, was approached by six Chicago Police Department officers who suspected he possessed a gun. Upon arriving at the scene, and prior to any communication with Mr. Comer or confirmation of a weapon, Chicago Police Officer Fernando Ruiz fired at least eleven bullets at Mr. Comer as he sat in the vehicle, hitting him multiple times and permanently paralyzing him from the waist down.

The lawsuit was filed Friday, August 11, 2023 in the Circuit Court of Cook County by Founding Partner Antonio M. Romanucci, Partner Bhavani K. Raveendran and Attorney Sam A. Harton of Romanucci & Blandin as well as Zaid Abdallah of Abdallah Law. The defendants are the City of Chicago and Chicago Police Officers Fernando Ruiz, Christopher Enter, Joel Venegas, Jacob Geary, T. Alexander, and Michael Baciu.

 The Complaint lists seven counts, including counts of willful and wanton conduct against the City of Chicago as well as all officers involved, and a count of battery against Officer Fernando Ruiz.

“We are very proud to represent Raymond Comer and our team will show that these officers had absolutely no justification for the deadly use of force used against him,” said Founding Partner Antonio M. Romanucci, Romanucci & Blandin. “While this suit will not bring back Raymond’s ability to walk, we will hold the Chicago Police Department accountable for their actions and, hopefully, bring awareness to the urgent need for police department reforms both in Chicago and across the country.”

To learn more about legal options involving police misconduct and excessive force please click here.

About Romanucci & Blandin, LLC

Romanucci & Blandin is a Chicago-based national trial practice committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse and wrongful death. For 25 years, we have secured more than $850 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients - many for millions of dollars and others record-setting awards.  Our experience ranges from mass shootings, civil rights and police misconduct to medical malpractice, sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents or workplace injury cases involving individual or institutional negligence. Romanucci & Blandin is a valuable legal resource to individuals and groups of people who have been injured by others’ wrongdoing. Referring attorneys and clients say several factors differentiate our firm: Our record of success, depth of experience, talented and dedicated legal team, tireless preparation and strategic use of communications to fight for the rights of those whose lives have been changed forever. We are different from other personal injury firms in that our work does not stop when a verdict or settlement is secured.  We are often inspired by our clients’ experiences and commit resources to create change in our communities. For more information about Romanucci & Blandin, please visit www.rblaw.net or call (312) 458-1000.