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Police / Prison Excessive Force

Rodriguez v. County of Los Angeles, et al. CV 10-6342-CBM(AJWx) – Five week trial representing five plaintiff inmates against 28 deputy sheriffs. Inmates were systematically beaten during a cell extraction after protesting conditions at Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail. Jury returned unanimous verdict of civil rights violations triggering $710,000 in damages, and $240,000 in punitive damages despite defendants admitting evidence that plaintiffs were “the worst of the worst” inmates at Men’s Central Jail, and that they had been breaking sinks and throwing pieces of porcelain at defendant deputies. After prevailing at trial, the district court awarded MBL and co-counsel $5.4 million in attorney fees based on difficulty of the litigation and the challenge of representing convicted inmates against law enforcement in a jail conflict.

Gabriel Carrillo v. County of Los Angeles, et al. CV 12-2608-DSF(PJWx) –Representing plaintiff, a visitor to Men’s Central Jail, who was falsely accused of attacking deputies after being severely beaten. After successfully defeating criminal charges against plaintiff, plaintiff sued for civil rights violations. Case settled for $1,175,000. Worked with federal prosecutors to initiate federal criminal prosecution against defendant deputy sheriffs.

Smith v. City of Placentia, et al. CV 06-0097-GW(ANx). Plaintiffs sued the City of Placentia on behalf of his son for shooting an unarmed man who was high on methamphetamine, had written a suicide note and was charging the officers. Although the decedent was aggressive, officers were impeached by demonstrating that they were not following their training when dealing with a psychologically troubled individual. Settled for $500,000.00.

Lawson v. City of Los Angeles, Case No.: BC 031 232 (Los Angeles Superior Court)(lawsuit filed in 1991 on behalf of individuals who had been subjected to what plaintiffs alleged were unlawful use of force practices by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Canine Unit, settled in 1995 for $3.6 million and comprehensive structural relief)

Melgar v. Klee (Los Angeles Superior Court) (1988) ($1.5 million jury verdict against Los Angeles Police Department for police shooting; settled for $1.45 million)

Krajacic v. Hernandez, et al., CV 11-02403-GAF(JCGx) (C.D. Cal.) – Excessive force and false arrest case. Plaintiff arrested and held in custody overnight on false allegations by officer; no criminal charges filed. Excessive force was used by the officer during the arrest, resulting in muscle damage requiring surgery. Case settled for $350,000.

Sued the Department of Juvenile Justice when a Correctional Counselor broke client’s collar bone. Counselor was intervening in a fight, but MBL was able to show that he used excessive force. Settled for $100,000.00.

“These cases do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.”

[The client portrayed is an actor and this is a dramatization]