Important Note on Past Results: The case results presented below are provided for informational purposes only. Every legal matter is unique and involves specific factual and legal circumstances. Prior results, settlements, or jury verdicts do not guarantee, warrant, or predict a similar outcome in any future case.
Our track record speaks for itself. At Counsel Co., we deliver decisive civil rights case verdicts and high-value settlements for victims of systemic misconduct, wrongful death, and constitutional violations.
Case Name: Charmane Henderson v. City of Torrance
Practice Area: Civil Rights & Section 1983 Wrongful Death
Overview: Represented the surviving family of Deautry Charles Ross in a high-profile civil rights and wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Torrance. Successfully demonstrated systemic law enforcement misconduct, securing a $3,000,000 pre-trial settlement to support the victim's family and hold the municipality accountable.
Case Name: Jackson v. Aden et al.
Practice Area: Civil Rights & Section 1983 Excessive Force
Overview: Secured a $2.4 million recovery following a formal Notice of Claim against Okaloosa County and Sheriff Eric Aden after deputies fired 22 rounds into a cruiser containing an unarmed, handcuffed detainee after mistaking the sound of a falling acorn for suppressed gunfire
Case Name: Austin Calhoun v. City of Santa Clara
Practice Area: Federal Police Misconduct & Fourth Amendment Violations
Overview: Obtained a $1,766,875.95 federal jury trial verdict for clients subjected to unconstitutional police tactics and excessive force by the City of Santa Clara. Overcame qualified immunity motions to deliver full justice in open court.
Case Name: Timothy Randolph v. City of Antioch
Practice Area: Civil Rights & Municipal Liability
Overview: Negotiated a $1,600,000 settlement on behalf of a victim of severe law enforcement abuse and civil rights violations involving Antioch police officers, establishing clear liability and securing critical financial recover
Case Name: Confidential Client v. County of Alameda
Practice Area: Section 1983 Civil Rights & Unlawful Detention
Overview: Secured nearly $1 million in compensation for victims of law enforcement misconduct in Alameda County, addressing constitutional abuses and forcing key administrative reviews.
Case Name: Diaz et al. v. County of Ventura
Practice Area: Civil Rights & Section 1983 Wrongful Death
Overview: Served as co-counsel in a wrongful death and excessive force lawsuit where officers opened fire on an unarmed driver following a vehicular pursuit, disregarding explicit on-scene orders to utilize non-lethal intervention strategies.
Case Name: Wallisa v. City of Hesperia, City of San Bernardino, et al.
Practice Area: Civil Rights & Excessive Force
Overview: Served as co-counsel in a fatal excessive force action against the San Bernardino Police Department arising from the improper tasing and physical beating of an individual undergoing a severe distress episode.
Case Name: Vansickle v. City of Martinez
Practice Area: Civil Rights & Section 1983 Excessive Force
Overview: Served as co-counsel on behalf of an unhoused individual who suffered severe mauling injuries after officers deployed a police canine without warning inside an unoccupied commercial building.
Case Name: Mihalovic v. City of Turlock
Practice Area: Civil Rights & Police Misconduct
Overview: DeWitt M. Lacy served as co-counsel in a civil rights action alleging excessive force, assault, and battery against the City of Turlock Police Department, securing a $125,000 recovery for the injured plaintiff.
HIGH-PROFILE FEDERAL & APPELLATE REPRESENTATION
In addition to major monetary recoveries, our trial and appellate team routinely handles complex, landmark constitutional litigation in state and federal courts.
A.C., a Minor v. County of Nevada, et al.
Practice Area: Section 1983 Civil Rights & Law Enforcement Tactical Response
Overview: Served as co-counsel representing surviving minor children in published appellate proceedings evaluating less-lethal force standards, officer-involved shooting protocols, and municipal accountability.
Ely Family v. County of Santa Barbara
Practice Area: Federal Civil Rights & Custodial Negligence
Overview: Spearheaded high-stakes federal litigation alleging excessive force, failure to render prompt medical care, and municipal liability against county law enforcement entities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear insights into how case values are determined and how settlements are structured.
How are settlement amounts determined in civil rights and personal injury cases? +
Settlement values depend on several factors, including the severity of constitutional rights violations or injuries, economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future earning capacity), non-economic distress, and the strength of liability evidence established during discovery.
Will my case have to go to trial to achieve a successful recovery? +
Not necessarily. Many significant recoveries are secured through negotiated settlements before trial. However, preparing every case as if it will go before a jury provides the necessary leverage to command maximum value from opposing parties and insurance carriers.
Are legal recovery and settlement amounts taxable? +
Taxability depends on the underlying nature of the damages awarded. While compensatory damages for physical injuries or sickness are generally non-taxable, allocations for punitive damages, back pay, or pure emotional distress may carry tax obligations. We advise consulting a financial professional regarding specific recoveries.