N.A.M., a minor, individually and as successor in interest to Javier Mendez, deceased, by and through her Guardian ad Litem, Aline Bilamdjian, and N.O.M., a minor, individually and as successor in interest to Javier Mendez, deceased by and through his Guardian ad Litem, Aline ilamdjian v. County of Los Angeles, Deputy Samuel Orozco, Deputy Fredrick
Published: Dec. 25, 2015 | Result Date: Apr. 15, 2015 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 2:14-cv-04090-JFW-AJW Settlement – $700,000
Court
USDC Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Megan R. Gyongyos
(Cochran Firm )
Brian T. Dunn
(The Cochran Firm)
Defendant
Jonathan C. McCaverty
(Office of the Los Angeles County Counsel)
Facts
Javier Mendez's minor children sued the County of Los Angeles and several County of Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputies after Mendez was fatally shot on Feb. 13, 2014 following an incident at a residence in West Covina. They alleged federal civil rights violations based on unreasonable use of deadly force and brought wrongful death claims based on violations of California law.
Contentions
PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs contended that the Sheriff's Deputies negligently assessed the circumstances and violently confronted Mendez, who was unarmed. Without warning, the deputies allegedly assaulted and battered Mendez, including by shooting him numerous times, resulting in his death. Plaintiffs further contended that at no time did Mendez pose any reasonable threat of violence to the deputies or do anything to justify the use of force used against him.
DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendants admitted there was an officer involved shooting on the specified date but denied wrongdoing and asserted various affirmative defenses.
Result
The County of Los Angeles settled with plaintiffs for $700,000.
Other Information
FILING DATE: May 28, 2014.
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