Pa. city settles with parents of woman injured in crash with police car

By Jim Greene

Published on September 27, 2005

Jennifer George was driving drunk when she was injured in an April 13, 2001 crash with Officer Greg DiLoreto, called "NASCAR" by his fellow officers. Officials acknowledged he had a history of fast driving and said he was driving at least 38 mph in a 25-mph zone at the time of the crash. Alan Natalie, attorney for Raymond and Susan George, said DiLoreto was driving over 60 mph.

DiLoreto was found guilty of speeding in the accident and resigned from the force in October 2001. George, whose blood alcohol level was twice the current legal limit, was not charged, due to her critical injuries.

Because Erie has a $500,000 cap on vehicle liability cases, Natalie filed suit in U.S. District Court, claiming the police violated George's rights by not properly supervising DiLoreto. When it became clear during settlement talks that a federal judge might return the case to a county court that would abide by the cap, Natalie agreed to the $600,000 settlement, to be paid by the city's insurance carrier.

George required therapy to regain the ability to speak and walk, and still lives in assisted care facility. Natalie claims the settlements will just cover her medical costs to date.

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