California residents are, unfortunately, all too familiar with police shootings that occur in the state. The issue has serious implications for law enforcement officials and residents throughout the state. In some cases, police shootings result in legal action on the part of the families of the person who was killed by law enforcement officials. That was the case in Sacramento, when a wrongful death lawsuit was filed based on a police shooting that occurred in 2016.
According to the reports, the wrongful death lawsuit in question was based on an incident that occurred that year in which a man who was reportedly struggling through a “mental health crisis” was shot several times by a sheriff’s deputy. After an extensive investigation of the incident, the deputy in question will not face criminal charges. However, Sacramento County was the named defendant in the lawsuit filed by the man’s family, and now, there are reports that a tentative settlement agreement has been reached in the case, which will result in a reported $7 million going to the man’s family.
The facts of the case appear to be heavily disputed, with some indications that the man who was shot was under the influence of prescription medications and alcohol, as well as armed with a knife at the time he was shot. But, the man’s family alleged that it was plain to everyone who was at the scene that he was suffering with a mental health crisis.
Wrongful death lawsuits are a way for families of deceased victims to hold negligent or reckless parties responsible for the actions that resulted in the death. Anyone who has lost a loved one in such a situation may want to explore the potential legal options that may be available.