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Civil Rights
Police Misconduct
Excessive Canine Force

Brett Thompson v. County of Los Angeles, et al.

Published: Feb. 10, 2004 | Result Date: Jan. 9, 2004 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: BC047544 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Helen I. Bendix

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Donald W. Cook
(Donald W. Cook, Attorney at Law)


Defendant

David D. Lawrence
(Lawrence, Beach, Allen & Choi PC)


Experts

Plaintiff

Charles Beene
(technical)

Peter Meade
(technical)

Van Ness H. Bogardus III
(technical)

Facts

On Feb. 8, 1991, the plaintiff, attempted to commandeer two vehicles from individuals in a parking lot of a 7/11 store in Norwalk. The victims fended the plaintiff off who then fled into a residential area and hid. Sheriffs' deputies responded along with a canine unit. A perimeter was set up. Canine announcements were given and the plaintiff did not surrender. A canine search then began. The plaintiff was located hiding under a vehicle and was bitten and dragged from beneath the car by the dog. The plaintiff fought with the dog and was struck several times by two deputies with their flashlights in an attempt to get him to stop fighting with the dog. Eventually, one deputy grabbed the plaintiff's arm and pulled him away from the dog while the other deputy pulled the dog from the plaintiff.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff informally demanded a sum in excess of $100,000 but never made formal specific demand. The defendant offered $100,000.

Injuries

Dog bite wounds to calf and fingers and contusions to shin and arm.

Deliberation

one day

Poll

11-1

Length

five weeks


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