Firm News - Lass Jury Verdict |
In a high profile wrongful death case brought in Orange County federal court, Lynberg & Watkins attorneys Norman J. Watkins and S. Frank Harrell successfully obtained a unanimous defense verdict for the County of Orange and six Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies.
The case arose out of the death of Orange County Jail inmate Michael P. Lass, following a videotaped physical struggle with multiple deputies. Plaintiff's counsel argued that Lass died from severe physical injuries inflicted during the struggle, including allegations that he was tasered nine times by deputies. In his closing statement, Plaintiff's counsel argued that the deputies' conduct amounted to "cruel and unusual punishment" and suggested upwards of $5 million as the appropriate verdict in the case.
Mr. Watkins' closing statement on behalf of the County and the deputies argued that the medical evidence revealed Lass died from "excited delirium" -- a physical condition resulting from untreated mental illness, which ultimately causes the heart to stop functioning. Mr. Watkins cited multiple scientific and academic studies which supported the County's position, and correlated the medical evidence to Lass' autopsy results. Following Mr. Watkins closing, the jury returned a complete defense verdict after just one hour of deliberation.
The three week trial with more than fifteen witnesses was the subject of numerous articles in the local print media. Links to excerpts of those articles follow:
- "Jury sides with Orange County in fatal jail beating."
- "Inmate to deputies: 'You're killing me.'"
- "Doctor: Inmate who died was bipolar."
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