Gavel and american flag, symbol for jurisdiction
Sandra Kolalou, also known as Sandra White, was hit by a CTA bus in March 2018 while crossing a street in Chicago. She filed a lawsuit against the CTA and the bus driver. She claimed long-term injuries, including chronic back and leg pain. Both the CTA and the driver admitted negligence. The jury had to decide how much she should receive.
Civil Trial Amid Criminal Charges
At the time of the trial, Kolalou faced criminal charges for the 2022 murder of her landlord, Frances Walker. She allegedly killed Walker after an eviction notice and dismembered the body. The judge barred mention of her criminal case. This prevented juror bias.
The first jury awarded about $3 million, but a retrial was ordered. Kolalou had not disclosed social media posts. The posts showed swimming, roller-skating, and international travel. These contradicted her claims of chronic pain. In the second trial, the jury awarded $2.8 million. This included $400,000 for medical costs and $500,000 for loss of normal life.
Appellate Court Ruling
The CTA argued Kolalou’s prison sentence should reduce damages. The appellate court rejected this. They said unrelated criminal behavior is generally not considered in civil trials. Experts note this decision reinforces a key principle: civil compensation is based on verified injuries, not later crimes.
Implications and Ethics
The case shows civil and criminal law are separate. Courts prioritize fair compensation for accident victims. Even if the person later commits serious crimes, the civil award stands. The ruling highlights the CTA’s responsibility for the 2018 accident. It also shows how courts balance fairness, evidence, and legal safeguards in civil cases.
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