This is the property of the Daily Journal Corporation and fully protected by copyright. It is made available only to Daily Journal subscribers for personal or collaborative purposes and may not be distributed, reproduced, modified, stored or transferred without written permission. Please click "Reprint" to order presentation-ready copies to distribute to clients or use in commercial marketing materials or for permission to post on a website. and copyright (showing year of publication) at the bottom.

Civil Rights
Police Misconduct
Battery

Miguel Acosta, Jesus Robles v. City of Bell Gardens

Published: Aug. 6, 1994 | Result Date: May 9, 1994 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: VC010750 –  $36,300

Judge

William J. Birney

Court

L.A. Superior Norwalk


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Edward A. Villalobos


Defendant

Thomas E. Francis


Experts

Plaintiff

Richard J. Buchbinder
(medical)

Andrew Henning
(medical)

Facts

At 2 a.m. on September 20, 1991, a Defendant City of Bell Gardens officer was transporting Plaintiff arrestees to jail. Plaintiff arrestees were allegedly intoxicated. Both Plaintiffs Miguel Acosta, a 49-year-old gardener, and Plaintiff Jesus Robles, a 34-year-old cement laborer, were handcuffed with their hands behind their backs and were seated in the back of Defendant's police car without seat belts or other restraints.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiffs contend Acosta demanded $30,000 and Robles demanded $9,000; and Defendant offered Acosta $21,000 and Robles $6,000.

Specials in Evidence

$11,400 (Acosta) $2,600 (Robles) $11,000 (Acosta) None (Robles)

Injuries

Acosta: TMJ requiring use of a mouth piece, nose injury resulting in impaired breathing and requiring possible future nasoseptal reconstruction surgery; neck and low back requiring physical therapy. Robles: facial abrasions; soft tissue injuries to shoulder requiring physical therapy.

Deliberation

2 days

Poll

12-0

Length

4 days


#106041

For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:

Email jeremy@reprintpros.com for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390