Case Overview

On October 10, 2020, around 2:32 PM, Elisabete Dasilva-Oliveira was involved in a car crash on Bridge Street in Naugatuck, Connecticut. A police cruiser driven by Officer Michael Deely struck her vehicle while he was on duty. The Borough of Naugatuck was also named in the legal claim, which asserted that Deely was acting within the scope of his employment.

Accident Details

Officer Deely was traveling westbound on Bridge Street during routine patrol. Without warning, he attempted a high-speed U-turn across the road, entering the eastbound lane and losing control. His cruiser struck Dasilva-Oliveira’s stopped vehicle. She was stationary in traffic at the time of impact. The Naugatuck Police Department found Deely at fault and cited him for an unsafe turn under Connecticut General Statutes §14-241. The incident raised concerns about reckless and improper driving.

Injuries

Dasilva-Oliveira sustained serious injuries to her cervical and lumbar spine, along with nerve pain, muscle strain, chronic headaches, and insomnia. The trauma resulted in permanent disability and disrupted her ability to work and live independently.

Damages

She incurred significant medical expenses, lost income, an