Facts

Santa Barbara County Deputy A. Muneton began a pursuit of Chandler French when he observed him driving on the freeway and believed he was under the influence. French fled and during the pursuit, he drove so fast he became airborne. French's vehicle hit a curb, planter and two boulders before bouncing back into the street. The impacts caused the undercarriage of the truck to leak oil and fluids. The truck stopped working as French came upon a building. At that point, French exited his truck and tried to run away on foot but he was too injured to run. Deputy Muneton ordered French to stop and get on the ground. Instead, French stumbled and crawled up a ramp. Muneton chased him. Muneton then claimed that French was physically resisting arrest so Muneton punched French in the face twice. Muneton then picked up French and threw him onto the ground. Then, French said I think you broke my back. French sued Deputy Menuton and Santa Barbara County following the arrest.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that defendants exerted excessive force without justification when arresting plaintiff. Plaintiff also contended that defendants threw him to the ground after grappling with plaintiff when he exited the vehicle. Plaintiff further contended that defendants' proffered toxicology evidence of methamphetamine and heroine in plaintiff's system was unreliable because of a break in the chain of command. Plaintiff further contended that his arrest was an unreasonable search and
seizure in violation of his rights. Plaintiff also contended that defendants offered false justifications for imposing force on plaintiff and intentionally screamed "stop resisting" to ensure no liability at trial.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied the contentions and contended that plaintiff's injuries resulted from the vehicle collision that occurred during his high-speed chase with the officers. Defendants contended that experts for both parties concurred that plaintiff likely fractured his spine during the high-speed chase, but that his interaction with the officers likely contributed to his injuries. Defendants also contended that plaintiff's resistance of arrest and potential harm to others in their homes if left alone in his state warranted the use and extent of force by defendants exerted at the scene. Defendants also contended that plaintiff's injuries were not to the extent claimed by plaintiff, as evidenced by plaintiff's ability to resist at the scene.

Damages

Plaintiff sought over $780,972 in past medical costs. Plaintiff sought over $2,016,000 in future lost wages and up to $100,000 in future medical costs.

Injuries

Plaintiff suffered a burst fracture of his spine with nerve damage, and alleged permanent incontinence and erectile dysfunction as a result.

Result

The parties entered a $950,000 settlement agreement before trial.