Romanucci & Blandin secures $525,000 settlement for client unconstitutionally taken down with excessive force by central Illinois officer

Use of force caused client to sustain serious, life-threatening injuries

CHICAGO (August 11, 2026) — Romanucci & Blandin announces a settlement of $525,000 for a client injured by excessive force during an unlawful arrest in central Illinois by a local police officer. This arrest was also without probable cause after the individual, our client, sought help from the police for an argument with their neighbor.

The central Illinois police officer allegedly determined that the best course of action to respond to the person who called for help, and who later stated anxious requests about claustrophobia about being placed in the back of a police car, would be to slam that handcuffed individual against the police vehicle, onto the paved concrete alley, against the door of the police vehicle and again onto the road.

Senior Attorneys Benjamin A. Berkman and Sam A. Harton and Attorney Colton M. Johnson Taylor represented the client in the case.

“Our client called the police because a neighbor’s actions posed a possible threat during an argument,” said Romanucci & Blandin Senior Attorney Sam A Harton. “Despite being the caller, our client was viewed as an aggressor and possible criminal by this office. The decisions made by this officer send a clear message to the residents of the area that, even if you are the ones calling for help from law enforcement: you are on your own and should not call us for help.”

Learn more about our work seeking justice for clients impacted by unlawful and excessive force by police officers and other law enforcement agents.

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 nearly 30 years, we have secured more than $1 billion 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.