James Degorski - Excessive force by corrections officer used against Degorski

Quote from Bonjean:

“I was very moved. It gave me a lot of hope that this jury had acted so consistently following the law and accepting the principle that regardless of your status in society, you are entitled to be free of unjustified violence at the hands of the government and people with power and the duty to protect you.”

James Degorski, an inmate at Cook County Prison was awarded nearly half a million dollars in a civil suit against a prison guard. Upon arrival to Cook County Prison, Degorski was the victim of an aggressive beating from a corrections guard, Officer Wilson. The beating took place on Degorski’s first night in jail, years prior to his criminal trial. Degorski suffered facial fractures and metal plates had to be surgical inserted into his face.

In 2004, Degorski sued Wilson, another correctional officer, and former Sheriff Michael Sheahan. The suit accused Wilson of using excessive force and the others of failing to stop him. Wilson was placed on unpaid leave and was eventually fired in 2004.

Following a four-day jury trial, a jury entered a verdict in favor of Degorski and against Officer Wilson. The jury agreed that Wilson had violated Degorski’s constitutional rights when Wilson used excessive force against Degorski while he was awaiting trial. The jury awarded Degorski $225,000 in compensatory damages and $226,000 in punitive damages.

After the trial, Bonjean stated, “I was very moved. It gave me a lot of hope that this jury had acted so consistently following the law and accepting the principle that regardless of your status in society, you are entitled to be free of unjustified violence at the hands of the government and people with power and the duty to protect you.”

The Bonjean Law Group currently represents Degorski in his post-conviction proceedings.

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