Facts

On Oct. 11, 2012 Stanley Jordan was shot by City of Hawthorne Police Officer Matthew Manley while fleeing from police after robbing a Metro PCS store in Hawthorne. He brought claims under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 for violations of his civil rights.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Jordan contended that he was in the laundry room of an apartment complex when Officer Manley violently confronted him, firing a shot into his back. He claimed that at no point did he pose a credible or reasonable threat of violence to Officer Manley. Furthermore, Jordan argued that the officers involved denied him medical care following the shooting.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendants argued that the officer's use of deadly force was reasonable under the totality of circumstances. Defendants claimed plaintiff had assaulted two officers and a police canine prior to the use of deadly force. Defendants contended plaintiff was shot in the back after tackling an officer knocking him off balance, and then during the evolving struggle turned around and was shot.

Defendants contended that the settlement represents a significant compromise given the city's exposure, and plaintiff's proffered economic damages exceeding $10.2 million.

Damages

According to defense, plaintiff's life care planner, Tricia West, opined that plaintiff would incur approximately $8.9 million plus in medical expenses over his lifetime due to his paraplegia. Additionally, plaintiff's economist, Enrique Vega, opined that plaintiff would suffer a loss of future income and earnings between $801,248 and $1,202,121.

Injuries

Jordan was rendered a paraplegic as a result of the bullet wound.

Result

The City of Hawthorne settled with Jordan for $2 million.

Other Information

Plaintiff was subsequently convicted of two counts of armed robbery, and served a prison term. He had been released from prison prior to pending civil trial. FILING DATE: Sept. 29, 2014.