Wrongful death suit filed against Los Angeles after man’s death
When a 25-year-old African-American man was allegedly shot and killed by Los Angeles police last year, his death sparked protests across the city. That’s because witnesses saw no reason to kill the unarmed man, who was mentally ill but harmless. The man’s parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city, claiming that their son’s civil rights were violated and he was killed because of his skin color.
The family has filed a $75 million wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles as well as a civil rights lawsuit. They are seeking damages for negligence, wrongful death and civil rights violations.
On Aug. 11, the man was confronted in South Los Angeles by two police officers who claim that he was acting in a suspicious manner. They also claim that the man grabbed one of the officers, even though witnesses say that the man actually complied with the officers’ orders to lie on the ground.
That was when the man, who did not struggle, was shot three times by the police officers. He was shot in the back, side and right arm. There was a muzzle imprint around the fatal wound to the back, which means that one of the officers shot the man at close range.
When a person causes the death of another individual, he or she can be held liable and sued for wrongful death, even in cases of manslaughter or murder. Wrongful death encompasses a variety of circumstances. When a loved one is killed by a third party, it’s a good idea to discuss the situation with a qualified Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer and determine what types of compensation are available, if any.
Source: NBC Los Angeles, “Ezell Ford’s Parents File Wrongful Death, Negligence Suit,” Christina Cocca, March 9, 2015