Illinois Ex-Trooper in Deadly Crash Wants Workers’ Compensation

September 22, 2010

The former Illinois State Police trooper blamed in a southwestern Illinois freeway wreck that killed two sisters wants state compensation for his crash-related injuries.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports that Matt Mitchell has filed a workers’ compensation case against the Illinois State Police. His attorney calls the request justified, but the lawyer for the girls’ family considers it “outrageous, but predictable.”

Authorities say Mitchell was driving 126 mph and texting on his cell phone when his patrol car slammed into the car occupied by Jessica and Kelli Uhl on Interstate 64 near O’Fallon in 2007. The Collinsville residents died at the scene.

Mitchell pleaded guilty to reckless homicide charges and is on probation.

An Illinois Court of Claims judge is weighing the Uhl family’s claim for damages. They’ve asked for $46 million.

Topics Workers' Compensation Talent Illinois

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