Settlement for Police Brutality Case in New York
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, we are proud to share a significant legal victory where we secured an $8.2 million settlement for our client, a 28-year-old Hispanic male, Brooklyn resident with no criminal history, who suffered severe injuries after being violently assaulted by law enforcement officers. The incident occurred when our client approached the scene of an accident involving a marked police car and a civilian vehicle at a Brooklyn intersection. After witnessing the crash, he offered to provide his account of the incident to assist officers.
Despite his cooperation, the officer refused to accept his statement and demanded that he leave the scene immediately. When our client respectfully declined to leave, the officer escalated the situation, violently assaulting him in a shocking display of excessive force. The physical altercation caused devastating injuries, including permanent blindness in one eye.
Although our client was initially arrested and wrongfully charged with disorderly conduct, the charges were later dropped due to a lack of evidence and the clear misconduct by the officer. At trial, a jury recognized the egregious nature of the officer’s actions and awarded our client $8.2 million to compensate for his physical injuries, emotional trauma, and the lasting impact on his quality of life.
Our client suffered life-altering injuries due to the excessive use of force by law enforcement officers. Known for his strong work ethic and commitment to his loved ones, our client’s only intention was to help clarify the events surrounding the accident. Instead of being treated respectfully, he was subjected to unnecessary and violent treatment. The incident caused severe physical and emotional harm, leading to permanent disability, including the loss of sight in one eye, that will affect the client’s quality of life forever.
The $8.2 million jury award not only compensates for the physical, emotional, and financial toll on the client but also holds the responsible officers and agencies accountable for their actions. This outcome highlights the importance of seeking legal recourse in cases of police misconduct.
Excessive Use of Force: The officers escalated a non-violent situation and used unnecessary, disproportionate physical force.
Violation of Civil Rights: The client’s constitutional rights were violated when he was assaulted and wrongfully arrested.
Long-Term Impact: The violent attack resulted in permanent blindness in one eye, lifelong medical needs, ongoing treatment costs, and loss of the client’s ability to earn a living.
Wrongful Arrest: The disorderly conduct charges were ultimately dismissed, further proving the unjust nature of the officer’s actions.
Our legal team conducted an exhaustive investigation, gathering eyewitness accounts, police reports, medical records, body camera footage, and expert testimony to build a strong case against the responsible parties.
With decades of experience in police brutality litigation, our attorneys are well-versed in holding law enforcement accountable for misconduct. From the moment our client came to us, we:
Conducted a Detailed Case Review: We analyzed all evidence, including police body camera footage, accident reports, medical documentation, and witness statements.
Built a Comprehensive Legal Strategy: Leveraging our knowledge of New York’s civil rights laws, we crafted a case that clearly demonstrated liability and the harm caused.
Aggressively Pursued Justice in Court: We took the case to trial, where the jury awarded $8.2 million in recognition of the severe injuries and injustice suffered by our client.
Our client’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience people show in the face of injustice. Despite the challenges, he remained strong and determined to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Our tenacity and expertise ultimately led to a resolution that ensures our client will have access to the resources needed for ongoing care and financial security. This decision provides peace of mind for his family, who stood by his side throughout this ordeal.