Currie v. Lao

Plaintiff, Joseph Currie, age 51, brought this action in the circuit court of Will County against defendant, Jose Lao, a 27-year-old Illinois State trooper, for personal injuries and property damage arising out of an automobile collision. Defendant appeals from an adverse jury verdict, urging that this case is in reality an action against the State of Illinois, hence may only be brought in the Court of Claims. Alternatively, defendant argues that he is protected by the common law doctrine of public official’s immunity. We affirm.

Jose Lao was patrolling Interstate 80 when he received a radio…