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$600,000 Verdict in Excessive Force Case to Ohio Jail Prisoner
After being involved in a car accident and arrested for drunk driving,
Craig A. Burdine was taken to Ohio's Ottawa County Jail. While being
removed from the jail's elevator, Burdine was choked unconscious by Deputy
Bruce M. Szilagye. Burdine used vulgar language with Szilagye, but never
physically threatened the other deputies, who did nothing to stop Szilagye.
A video showed part of the choking as they exited the elevator. Burdine
alleged psychological injuries in conjunction with the excessive force.
A jury awarded Burdine $200,000 in non-economic damages and $400,000 in
punitive damages. After trial, Burdine agreed to waive the punitive damages
in exchange for defendant's agreement to not appeal and an award of
$155,000 in attorney fees. See: Burdine v. Szilagye, USDC, Ohio, Case No
3:98CV7094.
Craig A. Burdine was taken to Ohio's Ottawa County Jail. While being
removed from the jail's elevator, Burdine was choked unconscious by Deputy
Bruce M. Szilagye. Burdine used vulgar language with Szilagye, but never
physically threatened the other deputies, who did nothing to stop Szilagye.
A video showed part of the choking as they exited the elevator. Burdine
alleged psychological injuries in conjunction with the excessive force.
A jury awarded Burdine $200,000 in non-economic damages and $400,000 in
punitive damages. After trial, Burdine agreed to waive the punitive damages
in exchange for defendant's agreement to not appeal and an award of
$155,000 in attorney fees. See: Burdine v. Szilagye, USDC, Ohio, Case No
3:98CV7094.
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Related legal case
Burdine v. Szilagye
| Year | 1998 |
|---|---|
| Cite | USDC, Ohio, Case No 3:98CV7094 |
| Level | District Court |
| Conclusion | Jury Verdict |
| Attorney Fees | 155000 |
| Damages | 600000 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |