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$1,660,000 Verdict for False Arrest
New York City Police Officer Sammy Gaurd was about to place a parking
ticket on John McLaughlin's vehicle, when McLaughlin, who was a city meter
operator, got into a verbal dispute with Gaurd, calling him an idiot. Gaurd
then assaulted McLaughlin and arrested him for resisting arrest, disorderly
conduct, and false arrest, on January 1, 1989.
McLaughlin spent three days in jail and was ultimately acquitted of all
charges. McLaughlin sued, alleging false arrest, malicious prosecution, and
violation of his civil rights. McLaughlin also alleged he was assaulted at
the station house.
On June 30, 2000, a jury awarded McLaughlin $350,000 for past pain and
suffering; $80,000 for future pain and suffering; $5,000 for medical
expenses; $100,000 for attorney's fees; $100,000 punitive damages; and
other unspecified awards to total $1,660,000. See: McLaughlin v. City of
New York, N.Y. Bronx Supreme Court.
Source: Verdict Search New York, Volume XVIII/7-13.
ticket on John McLaughlin's vehicle, when McLaughlin, who was a city meter
operator, got into a verbal dispute with Gaurd, calling him an idiot. Gaurd
then assaulted McLaughlin and arrested him for resisting arrest, disorderly
conduct, and false arrest, on January 1, 1989.
McLaughlin spent three days in jail and was ultimately acquitted of all
charges. McLaughlin sued, alleging false arrest, malicious prosecution, and
violation of his civil rights. McLaughlin also alleged he was assaulted at
the station house.
On June 30, 2000, a jury awarded McLaughlin $350,000 for past pain and
suffering; $80,000 for future pain and suffering; $5,000 for medical
expenses; $100,000 for attorney's fees; $100,000 punitive damages; and
other unspecified awards to total $1,660,000. See: McLaughlin v. City of
New York, N.Y. Bronx Supreme Court.
Source: Verdict Search New York, Volume XVIII/7-13.
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Related legal case
McLaughlin v. City of New York
| Year | 2000 |
|---|---|
| Cite | N.Y. Bronx Supreme Court |
| Level | State Trial Court |
| Conclusion | Jury Verdict |
| Attorney Fees | 0 |
| Damages | 1,660,000.00 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |