Brian A. Witherite contends Fort Worth police used excessive force killing Taser victim
Posted Under: Personal Injury
Dallas wrongful death attorney-Brian A. Witherite contends Fort Worth police used excessive force, killed Taser victim
Dallas, Texas — The use of a Taser stun gun has taken another life and Texas taser injury lawyer, Brian A. Eberstein of the Dallas personal injury law firm of Eberstein & Witherite, LLP, has filed a lawsuit naming the City of Fort Worth and Fort Worth Police Department officer at fault.
Eberstein, who represents the family of Michael Patrick Jacobs, Jr., asserts the use of excessive force was used when the 24-year old, mentally challenged victim suffered multiple electrical shots from the Taser gun on April 18, 2009.
The family had placed calls to the local police department in the past to help control Michael when he would experience severe outbursts, but this particular instance turned fatal. As per official court documents filed on behalf of the family in the Fort Worth division of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth police officers dispensed a 49 second continuous shock of 50,000 volts to the non combative, mentally disabled young man while in his home.
The Tarrant County Medical Department ruled Michael’s death a homicide. Backing up that statement, the family’s personal injury attorney argues the Fort Worth Police Department displayed excessive force with a Taser gun, violating the victim’s Constitutional rights.
According to a news report, “Officer Phillips, a corporal with the department, shocked Michael, with a Taser for 49 seconds and then administered an additional 5 second shock after a 1 second interval. Michael was lying face down on the ground with his hands across his chest for some 49 seconds while the officer continued to administer the continuous electrical shock of 50,000 volts.”
Witherite says the unnecessary attack was clearly a gross negligence by law enforcement, and added that the City of Fort Worth failed to train their staff on the proper use of Tasers, as there have been three prior cases of death by Taser reported.
If you or someone you love has been injured by excessive force from a police officer with a stun gun, it is imperative that you contact Texas personal injury lawyer, Brian A. Eberstein to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Media Contact: Brian A. Eberstein, a Texas personal injury attorney
http://www.dallastexaspersonalinjurylawyers.com
Toll Free: 1-888-407-6669
Law Office of Eberstein & Witherite
3100 Monticello, Suite 500
Dallas, Texas 75205
