Handley v. Springdale West Apartments

Handley v. Springdale West Apartments

Plaintiff, a 31-year-old African American tenant at the Springdale West Apartments, claimed that he was attacked by defendant’s security guards and repeatedly subjected to pepper spray, baton strikes and choke holds. After receiving emergency medical treatment at St. Mary’s hospital, plaintiff was charged with battery and spent six days in jail. Thereafter, the charges were dropped based upon insufficiency of the evidence. Plaintiff then sued the security guards, the property management company and the apartment complex for civil violations, racial discrimination, assault and battery, false arrest and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Defendant contended that plaintiff was uncooperative with the security guards when they attempted to disperse an unruly crowd and that plaintiff’s injuries were sustained when they were lawfully attempting to take him into custody.
Demand $75,000 via CCP § 998, increased to $130,000 during trial.
Offer $7,501 via CCP § 998
Verdict DEFENSE. Defense verdict following a four-week trial. Defendant filed a cost bill of $8,200. Plaintiff’s motion for new trial and motion for JNOV were denied.
Insurer Ward North America

Long Beach

4500 E. Pacific Coast Highway, 4th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90804

San Francisco

101 Montgomery St., Suite 1800
San Francisco, CA 94104

Sacramento

3626 Fair Oaks Blvd., Suite 100
Sacramento, California 95864

Walnut Creek

1990 N California Blvd.
8th Floor
Walnut Creek, CA 94596