Charles Beatty v. Ronald Orosco, Gorgonio Medina, City of Los Angeles
Published: Nov. 12, 2002 | Result Date: Aug. 17, 2002 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: CV015466AHM Verdict – $2,045,000
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
John E. Sweeney
(Sweeney Firm)
Carl E. Douglas
(Douglas Hicks Law APC)
Defendant
Facts
The two defendants were members of the Los Angeles Police Department and on the day in question were in an
unmarked police car and working undercover. They stopped at a traffic light and began a conversation with a
transient when the plaintiff, an elderly black motorist, pulled up behind them. The plaintiff did not know that it
was a police car and drove around it, crossing over a double-yellow line to turn left. The officers pulled the
plaintiff over and an argument ensued. The plaintiff produced his driving license and was cited by the officers.
The arguing continued and the defendant Orosco attempted to drag the plaintiff from his vehicle. The plaintiff
drove away and the defendant Orosco responded by shooting at the car, one bullet going through the rear
window and striking the plaintiff in the back.
The plaintiff sued the two police officers and the City of Los Angeles claiming that the
plaintiff's civil rights were violated, that he was falsely imprisoned and that the defendants
assaulted and battered him.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff submitted a demand of $1.9 million; the defendant offered $650,000.
Specials in Evidence
$17,887 $35,000
Injuries
The plaintiff suffered neurological damage causing pain and tingling in his upper extremities and post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Other Information
The plaintiff was awarded $2,045,000 against the defendant Orosco and the City of Los Angeles. The defendant Medina, who had never fired his weapon, was dismissed from the suit. The defendant Orosco pleaded no contest and is serving a 5-year sentence in state prison. The plaintiff was also awarded $300,000 in attorney fees for the civil rights violation.
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