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, and ongoing physical and emotional pain. Her lawsuit seeks compensation for these losses, alleging negligence, reckless driving, and failure to yield by the defendants.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiffs: Elisabete Dasilva-Oliveira
Counsel for Plaintiffs: Daniel D. Skuret
Expert Witness for Plaintiff: Eric J. Katz
Defendants: Michael Deely | Borough of Naugatuck
Counsel for Defendants: Cynthia M. Garraty
Claims
First Count – Negligence
The Plaintiffs allege that Officer Michael Deely negligently operated his police cruiser, failing to keep a proper lookout, driving at an excessive speed, and losing control during an unsafe U-turn. These actions breached his duty of care and directly caused the collision and resulting injuries to Elisabete Dasilva-Oliveira.
Second Count – Vicarious Liability
Under Connecticut General Statutes §7-465, the Plaintiffs hold the Borough of Naugatuck liable for Officer Deely’s negligence, asserting he was acting within the scope of his official duties at the time of the crash.
Third Count – Personal Injuries
The complaint details serious injuries suffered by Dasilva-Oliveira, including spinal trauma, nerve damage, and chronic pain. These injuries led to lasting disability, emotional distress, ongoing medical treatment, and loss of income.
Fourth Count – Property Damage
The Plaintiffs seek compensation for significant damage to Dasilva-Oliveira’s vehicle, including repair costs, rental car expenses, loss of use, and diminished value.
Fifth Count – Recklessness
The Plaintiffs claim Officer Deely’s conduct was reckless and seek enhanced damages under Connecticut General Statutes §14-295, including double or treble damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.
Defense
The Defendants acknowledged that the Borough of Naugatuck owned the vehicle and that Officer Michael Deely was on duty at the time of the incident. They admitted he attempted a U-turn, struck the sidewalk, lost control, and collided with the Plaintiff’s stopped vehicle. However, they denied all claims of negligence or recklessness.
The Defendants stated they lacked sufficient information to confirm or deny most of the Plaintiff’s allegations, including the extent of injuries, medical treatment, and damages. They denied any willful or wanton conduct and disputed claims of recklessness, arguing that the Plaintiffs must prove their case at trial.
Jury Verdict
On February 27, 2025, a jury in the Superior Court for the Judicial District of Waterbury found in favor of Elisabete Dasilva-Oliveira. The jury held the Defendants liable for the injuries she sustained and awarded her a total of $36,160.00 in damages.
This included:
$6,160.00 for past economic losses,
$10,000.00 for past non-economic damages, and
$20,000.00 for future non-economic damages.