When the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans tragically collapsed on October 12, 2019, dozens of lives were shattered—including that of Jose de Jesus Ponce, a construction worker who was killed when the building gave way. For months, the family of Mr. Ponce endured the unimaginable: his body remained trapped under the wreckage, while haunting images of the collapse circulated in the media.

The Ponce family turned to Pilsen Law Center in their pursuit of justice, accountability, and dignity. Attorneys at our firm, led by Arturo Jauregui, immediately demanded that the City of New Orleans and the companies responsible for the construction take swift action to recover the bodies and answer for their negligence.

"Four months of waiting is long enough,” said Mr. Jauregui at the time. “It is time for the City and the contractors to be held accountable for this horrific tragedy and bring closure to the families.”

Despite initial resistance from those responsible, our team relentlessly advocated on behalf of the Ponce family—both in the courtroom and in the public eye. After intense legal pressure and a dedicated civil action, Pilsen Law Center secured a significant financial settlement for the surviving heirs of Jose Ponce.

The compensation obtained reflects not only the magnitude of the loss, but also the grave responsibility of those who failed to provide a safe work environment. More than 18 lawsuits were filed in connection to the collapse, and our firm was at the forefront—fighting to ensure the Ponce family’s voice was heard and justice was served.

While no amount of money can bring back a loved one, the outcome has provided the Ponce family with a measure of justice, closure, and financial security. It also sent a clear message: negligence has consequences, and Pilsen Law Center will not rest until families like the Ponces get what they rightfully deserve.

When a 20-year-old theatre student at the University of Illinois at Chicago set out to cross the street on November 1, 2017, she never imagined her life would be changed forever. While walking in the crosswalk with a green light at the intersection of Halsted and Harrison in Chicago, she was struck and run over by a private school bus.

The impact was catastrophic. One of the bus wheels rolled directly over her midsection, causing devastating internal injuries. A nearby UIC police officer rushed to her side as she lay on the cold, wet pavement, writhing in pain. She was rushed to Stroger Hospital, where she remained in the critical care unit for 22 days. Her injuries included a lacerated liver and pancreas, severe abdominal trauma, and long-term complications to her hepatobiliary system—resulting in multiple surgeries and ongoing medical care.

Her recovery has been long, painful, and uncertain.

Determined to fight for justice, she and her family turned to Pilsen Law Center. Attorneys Edward J. Santiago and Arturo Jauregui took immediate legal action against the private bus company and its operators. Despite overwhelming facts and eyewitness accounts, the case was aggressively contested for over two years.

Through skilled litigation, relentless advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to their client, Santiago and Jauregui secured the full $3,000,000.00 policy limits from the defendants—one of the highest possible outcomes under the circumstances.

“We are glad that the case has been resolved giving this talented young lady some security as she closes this terrible episode in her life.,” said attorney Edward Santiago.

“The case took a long time to resolve due in part to the ongoing unexpected medical sequelae related to her biliary system that required ongoing medical intervention,” added attorney Arturo Jauregui.

This powerful outcome has brought much-needed closure and financial support to a young woman whose dreams were nearly cut short. It also sends a strong message: reckless actions have real consequences, and Pilsen Law Center will never stop fighting for those who have been wrongfully harmed.

Chicago, Illinois, May 20, 2026

On the night of August 2, 2020, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Jose Almanza—affectionately known throughout Little Village as El Señor de los Cacahuates—left home for a quick errand to a local Walgreens. He never returned.

As Mr. Almanza crossed Pulaski Road at 26th Street, he was violently struck by a speeding vehicle fleeing an unmarked Chicago Police car. The pursuit tore through several Little Village blocks at dangerously high speeds and lasted roughly 18 seconds. The chase was initiated over minor traffic violations: a failure to use a turn signal and a broken mirror. At the time, a standing Chicago Police Department Order prohibited officers from engaging in vehicle pursuits for nonhazardous or minor traffic offenses. Despite this prohibition, the officers continued the chase in an unmarked vehicle.

Mr. Almanza suffered catastrophic injuries, including severe brain trauma and a fractured leg. He died three days later. He was a husband and the father of two adult sons. Tragically, his wife passed away from cancer one year after his death, before the case could be resolved.

After four days of trial before Judge Harris, the Almanza family reached a settlement on November 7, 2025, with the City of Chicago for $3.5 million. Judge Harris played a key role in facilitating the resolution of this case.

“This was a hard‑fought and deeply contested case. We are relieved to finally bring closure to Jose’s family after years of pain and uncertainty,” said lead attorney Arturo Jauregui of Jauregui & Associates / Pilsen Law Center. Attorney Edward J. Santiago also played a critical role in achieving the outcome.