(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Chicago City Council Finance Committee voted in favor of a $5 million settlement with the family of a man who paramedics wrongly determined was dead.
The paramedics had determined that Whitfield Marshall Jr., a father of three, was dead in his apartment after a well-being check. It was February of 2019.
"Paramedics in this matter spent less than 15 seconds assessing Mr. Marshall and declared him to be dead when, in fact, he was alive," said Deputy Corporation Counsel Margaret Casey.
When the family arrived four hours later to make preparations for Marshall's body, Casey said they "heard Mr. Marshall moaning and called 911."
His family has since asserted that the delay in getting him treatment led to brain damage.
Downtown and West Loop Ald. Bill Conway (34th) was the sole no vote.
"I mean, nobody can predict what a jury will do but based on the plaintiffs' well-documented health problems," said Conway. "I don't think a jury would award $5 million, therefore I ask to be recorded as a no."
Neither paramedic is still employed by the fire department. The settlement will go next to the full council.
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