WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A mother of two who said she was permanently disabled in a crash during a police pursuit is now suing Holyoke and West Springfield in federal court argued officers should have called off the chase.

The lawsuit was filed by Yurany Loaiza Loaiza, her husband, and their two children. The family is seeking over $7 million in damages. Court documents said that on November 5th, Holyoke Police began chasing 37-year-old Carlos Maldonado of Springfield along Riverdale Street in West Springfield around 9 a.m.

The lawsuit said Maldonado was wanted on two outstanding warrants, and a stolen gun at the time and that he was also under a “be on the lookout alert”. The suit claims two Holyoke Police cruisers chased him for miles, even through a construction zone before Maldonado drove into oncoming traffic and slammed into Loaiza’s vehicle.

Investigators said she was knocked unconscious and trapped until firefighters used the jaws of life to free her. The lawsuit said she was hospitalized and in a coma for about three weeks.

The suit which was filed back in April claimed Loaiza is still recovering from severe, permanent injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, spinal injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries.

In their responses, Holyoke and West Springfield both deny liability. Holyoke acknowledges Maldonado was involved in a crash, but disputes the allegations and raises multiple defenses, including claims of governmental immunity.

West Springfield Police also deny wrongdoing — both are requesting jury trials.

Western Mass News has reached out to the family’s attorney for comment, and we’re still waiting to hear back.

Later tonight on Western Mass News at 10 and 11, we’ll dig deeper into what the court documents claim happened leading up to that crash.

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