Paramedic Trainee Can't Pursue Tort Claim after Collecting Comp Benefits

The Illinois Appellate Court on Tuesday ruled that a Chicago fire department paramedic trainee cannot pursue a tort suit against the city and fire academy training staff for intentionally causing his injury. Joseph Locasto claims the staff forced him to engage in rigorous physical exercise with minimal water breaks, causing him to suffer acute kidney failure from dehydration. A trial judge tossed his suit on summary judgment, saying Locasto received workers' compesation benefits for the injury, which prevents him from seeking a tort recovery. The election of reme...