Knott v. Peyer
Police officer strangled 20 y.o. female college student, survived by 2 parents in their 50’s [after 2 criminal trials, conviction for 1st degree murder].
California
M.H. v. County of Alameda, et al
Death in jail of 50-year-old, unemployed, alcoholic man, survived by four adult children. Non-economic damages only. Defendant Corizon Health, Inc., was deliberately indifferent to inmate’s medical needs by failing to place him on alcohol detox protocols and allowing him to go into severe alcohol withdrawal; then when inmate was hallucinating with Delirium Tremens, 10 deputies beat and Tased him to death.
Vivas v. County of Riverside
Police shooting of 18 y.o. man who had just committed armed burglary but was visibly unarmed at time of shooting; gunshot wound to back resulted in paraplegia.
Simplis v. Culver City
Police shooting of 27 y.o. man who allegedly spun and pointed shiny object at an officer during high-risk vehicle stop; witnesses disputed officer’s account; survived by four children.
Montalvo v. County of Los Angeles
Police shooting after vehicle pursuit of 29 y.o. man; survived by wife and two children. Settled post-verdict for $8.85M.
Lam v. City of San Jose
Officer shot emotionally disturbed man holding knife, leaving him paralyzed. Affirmed in full by Ninth Circuit. Eventually settled for full verdict plus interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees.
Lapachet v. Stanislaus County
Healthy, 40 y.o. man had a bad reaction to illegal drugs he took while in jail, denied adequate medical care for his drug-related psychosis, sustained spinal and head trauma of unknown origin, then jailors dragged him to a safety cell when he could not walk due to a spine fracture, at the direction of a nurse employed by a private jail medical provider. He was left face-down, paralyzed, on the floor of a safety cell for six hours with an untreated subdural hematoma. Plaintiff sustained quadriplegia, requiring life-long care.
Gallardo v. Reineccius
Police Shooting of 64 y.o. man, who police claimed was armed with knife, during SWAT raid of his home; survived by wife and 13 children.
Valenzuela v. City of Anaheim
32 y.o. meth intoxicated man, who had threatened woman, was killed by police during restraint, including use of carotid hold and taser; body cameras did not show assaultive conduct by decedent that police claimed; survived by children.
Mendoza v. Los Angeles County
Deputies mistakenly shot and killed 54 y.o. man during standoff with armed gang member who had taken family hostage inside home; deputies mistook homeowner for suspect.