South Carolina Lawyer Blog
The Observer-Dispatch of Utica, N.Y. reports a 67-year-old Vietnam War veteran has been awarded $350,000 as a result being beaten by a Utica police officer. Once the attorney fees are added to the earlier jury award of $60,000 for pain and suffering, the total amount would be $500,000.
According to reports, the veteran, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, experienced a mental health episode at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, becoming agitated and belligerent. After the officer had the veteran in handcuffs, he continued to punch and knee him to “gain compliance.” The incident left the veteran bruised and bloodied.
After the incident in 2008, the police officer was terminated by the Utica Police Department.