Serviam is pleased to announce that Partner Kayla Watson and Associate Isabel Cruz secured a unanimous defense verdict in a civil rights lawsuit against a California police department. The case sought $24.7 million in damages, all of which the jury rejected returning a verdict for the City and its officer on every cause of action.
At trial, Plaintiff advanced a theory that the officer’s conduct constituted excessive force and sought substantial damages based on that characterization. The defense maintained that the officer’s actions must be evaluated under the totality of the circumstances, including the rapidly evolving nature of the encounter and the information available to the officer at the time.
The evidence—including body-worn camera footage, witness testimony, and expert analysis—demonstrated that the officer’s response was measured, progressive, and consistent with training. The defense also challenged the scope and evidentiary support for Plaintiff’s claimed damages.
Following deliberations, the jury rejected Plaintiff’s claims in their entirety, finding that the officer used reasonable, non-deadly force, and that neither he nor the City was liable on any civil rights or related claims.
“This verdict reflects the jury’s careful evaluation of the evidence and its application of the correct legal standards,” said Kayla Watson, Partner at Serviam by Wright LLP. “Ultimately, the jury declined to adopt the narrative presented and instead grounded its decision in the objective record.”
Associate Isabel Cruz worked alongside Ms. Watson throughout trial, with substantial involvement in trial preparation and execution. This result reflects Serviam’s commitment to defending public agencies and police departments in complex civil rights matters. Civil rights lawsuits against public agencies carry significant financial and reputational consequences. A unanimous defense verdict represents one of the most favorable outcomes a public agency can achieve. Serviam’s Liability Defense practice is designed to help public agencies navigate the multi-faceted legal, political, and operational dimensions of high-stakes litigation.
For more information about Serviam’s Liability Defense services, contact Curtis Wright at Wright@Serviam.Law or visit www.Serviam.Law.
