Sanchez v. City of Chicago

In their depositions three witnesses denied making statements about actual notice relied on by the plaintiffs lawyer at an arbitration hearing and as trial approached. The changes resulted in the trial court’s sanctions against the plaintiff and dismissal of his lawsuit. We are asked to determine whether the sanctions went too far and whether dismissal was justified. We reverse and remand with directions.

FACTS

Plaintiffs complaint alleged that on July 9, 2000, plaintiff was walking on the sidewalk adjacent to 2300 North Hamlin Avenue in Chicago (the City), north of Belden Avenue. He tripped…