Manning Kass Team Achieves Successful Outcome for City of Santa Monica

Led by Los Angeles Partners Geoffrey R. Plowden and Robert E. Murphy, our Governmental Entity Liability team recently achieved a total defense verdict in a case involving false arrest and excessive force allegations, where the plaintiff claimed he sustained significant injuries. A motion for summary judgment was initially granted but the plaintiff appealed and a single cause of action for negligence was remanded for trial. The district court dismissed that cause of action, prompting the plaintiff to refile the case in Los Angeles Superior Court, where ultimately two police officers were forced to face trial. The plaintiff initially demanded $25 million, and the defense team countered with $100,000.

A jury of twelve individuals were selected and sworn in to try the case along with the witnesses who testified. Following thorough consideration of the evidence and arguments presented by counsel from both sides, the jury members were duly instructed by the Court to deliberate and return a special verdict on key issues. Ultimately, the jury came to the conclusion that the plaintiff failed to prove the defendants’ negligence, and the plaintiff left the courthouse emptyhanded. Our client expressed high praise for our team’s efforts, with special recognition given to San Diego Partner Yury A. Kolesnikov and Paralegal Annastasia Goldberg for their invaluable contributions.