Douglas Schmitz v. City of Hemet, Hemet Police Department, Robert Steht
Published: Jun. 7, 2005 | Result Date: Jan. 24, 2005 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: RIC392009 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
Riverside Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Elizabeth R. Feffer
(ADR Services Inc.)
Experts
Defendant
Kris Mohandie
(medical)
Joseph J. Callanan Jr.
(technical)
Norman Fort
(technical)
Facts
On April 19, 2002, defendant Robert Steht, a police officer with defendant City of Hemet, conducted an investigation of a home invasion robbery. At 7 p.m., he and another officer conducted a high risk traffic stop of a possible suspect, plaintiff Douglas Schmitz, age 23. The traffic stop occurred at a convenience store in San Jacinto. The stop led to a shooting incident where the two officers shot at plaintiff four times, striking him twice. The plaintiff and defendants disputed how the shooting incident happened.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a demand of $10 million.
Injuries
The plaintiff sustained two gunshot wounds, one to his neck and the other to his abdomen. He underwent emergency surgery and had a portion of his liver removed. The plaintiff claims he has ongoing neck and back pain, digestive problems, diminished strength, and psychological and emotional distress. He alleges he can no longer continue his work as a drywall contractor due to the pain from his injuries. He claimed past medical specials of $45,906, past loss of earnings of $24,800 and future loss of earnings of $1 million, as well as unspecified general damages.
Result
The jury returned a defense verdict.
Deliberation
two hours
Poll
12-0
Length
eight days
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