Ibe v. Lee

Plaintiff, Cyril Ibe, appeals from the trial court’s order granting a new trial based on the giving of an Illinois Pattern Jury Instruction (IPI) that was modified but not designated as modified. Defendant, Zainab Lee, cross-appeals from the trial court’s orders granting a mistrial and assessing sanctions based upon defendant’s opening statement.

Plaintiff’s amended complaint alleged the following. On or about December 29, 1987, defendant was driving her automobile, and plaintiff was driving in front of defendant in the same direction. Defendant’s automobile collided with the left rear of…