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Imagine getting caught between a violent criminal and police officers. Even worse, imagine getting misidentified as an armed suspect by the authorities! Such was the case for a citizen who was in Henderson at around 7 A.M. on Monday, May 30th.
Authorities say they were called out to the area near South Boulder Highway. A concerned citizen reported seeing a person breaking into vehicles.
Upon arriving, police noticed a “suspicious person”. Police reportedly attempted to approach the man who fled on foot. That’s when pursuing officers believed they saw the man pulling out what appeared to be a black handgun. In response to the threat, one of the officers pulled out their own weapon and fired a few rounds.
The victim was reportedly rushed to a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound. The good news is that the citizen is expected to survive. The bad news is that it appears the alleged suspect wasn’t armed at the time of the shooting. The suspect reportedly had a replica BB gun.
The police are currently investigating the ordeal further, and the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave.
Injuries Caused by the Police: Who is Liable?
In cases like the one outlined above, it’s understandable to wonder who would be liable for the injured citizen’s medical bills. Unfortunately, the law isn’t clear on this issue. Often, authorities can cite governmental immunity to avoid paying compensation to victims who have been injured by police either as bystanders or suspected criminals.
It’s important to note, though, that victims can seek out a lawsuit when they’ve endured injuries as a result of excessive or unnecessary police force. For instance, if the alleged suspect above can prove that authorities shot him out of revenge, anger, ignorance, or frustration, then they might have the basis to seek out an excessive force lawsuit. This would leave the police force liable for the financial fallout of the victim’s injuries. These losses might include things like the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, and even future medical care.
In general, shooting guns at individuals is a form of police misconduct unless the officer was shooting in self-defense or to stop a dangerous person from escaping capture.
Are You Looking for a Personal Injury Lawyer in Las Vegas?
Were you or a loved one significantly injured by the police in Las Vegas? Serious injuries can cause a whole host of problems and a windfall of losses. From medical bills to lost time off of work, your injuries can leave you struggling.
The good news is that you might be able to recover some of those losses by pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the police. In the best-case scenario, you’ll get the financial compensation you deserve. Going up against the police won’t be easy, though. You’ll want an experienced lawyer by your side.
If you’re in the Las Vegas area, then contact our firm to talk about your situation in more detail with one of our best attorneys.
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