Lawsuits: Police Sued Over Taser Use

Two new lawsuits spotlight the growing use of Tasers by law enforcement officers.

One of the complaints is a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the children of a Vietnam veteran who died after being tased by police multiple times. Robert A. Neill was stunned several times with a Taser by police who were responding to a 911 call Neill made to report that someone had stolen his bike, according to The Legal Intelligencer (subscription required). The complaint accuses police of using excessive force on Neill, who also suffered from post traumatic stress disorder. Taser International, which manufactures the device, was also named as a defendant in the suit.

The suit is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania, although there have been a number of deaths around the country related to Taser use, according to The Legal Intelligencer.

A lawsuit related to Taser use was filed earlier this month by a pregnant woman who claims police used excessive force in shocking her with a stun gun. Tiffany Rent, who is eight months pregnant, claims that a police officer used a Taser on her – as her two young children and fiancé watched-- after she tore up a parking ticket and attempted to drive away, according to the Chicago Tribune.

If you or a loved one were hurt by excessive force used by police, call Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation regarding a potential personal injury claim. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

Tags: