Civil Rights & Excessive Force: $57,500 Settlement for Police K-9 Attack

Civil Rights

Excessive K-9 Force Leads to $57,500 Civil Rights Settlement

Our client was already handcuffed and subdued when a police K-9 continued to bite and injure him for several seconds—an act of excessive force that violated his constitutional rights. In spite of the fact that the incident followed a high-speed pursuit and initial resistance by the plaintiff, police bodycam footage clearly showed that the suspect no longer posed any threat at the time of the attack

Despite having control of the scene, the K-9 handler failed to call off his dog, resulting in prolonged injuries that were entirely preventable.

Excessive Force & Civil Rights Violations

When Law Enforcement Crosses the Line

Civil rights laws protect individuals from unnecessary or unreasonable use of force by law enforcement. In this case, our legal team meticulously analyzed bodycam footage frame-by-frame to demonstrate that the officer’s use of force was both excessive and prolonged. We also uncovered training deficiencies in the K-9’s records—evidence that the dog had not been properly certified or maintained in compliance with departmental standards.

The key legal factors—severity of the offense, level of resistance, and whether our client posed an immediate threat—were all carefully reviewed. We established that, while the initial use of force may have been justified, its continued application clearly crossed legal boundaries.

Ultimately, we secured a $57,500 settlement from the city, holding the department accountable for the officer’s misconduct and delivering justice for our client.

Civil Rights & Police Misconduct

Protecting Victims of Excessive Force

At SHANE LAW, we stand up for individuals whose civil rights have been violated by law enforcement—whether through excessive force, false arrest, or other forms of police misconduct. Our team brings deep experience in civil rights litigation and works tirelessly to ensure every client’s story is heard and every violation addressed.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of police brutality, don’t face it alone. Contact SHANE LAW today for a confidential consultation. Let us help you seek the justice and accountability you deserve.