The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a $25 million settlement Tuesday for a hearing- and mentally impaired man who sued the county and two sheriff’s deputies, alleging he was left paralyzed when he was shot by a deputy in 2021 at his Cudahy home.
Attorneys in the case of Isaias Cervantes filed court papers last year saying that a “conditional” resolution of the case had been reached, but no terms were disclosed. According to a staff report prepared in advance of Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors vote, the settlement was being recommended “due to the high risks and uncertainties of litigation,” noting that “a reasonable settlement at this time will avoid further litigation costs.”
The board approved the settlement unanimously and without comment.
Cervantes’ attorney, community activists and family supporters gathered outside the Hall of Administration prior to the board’s vote, calling for changes within the sheriff’s department regarding responses to calls for help involving people suffering from mental health or other issues.
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“It is about this larger systemic change,” attorney Austin Dove told reporters. “… This action, regardless of what you say about the settlement, they cut their losses in this one. Because this family has been devastated beyond belief. And so going forward, we’re hoping that this A) sends a message to the sheriff’s department about how you’re going to address these issues, and B) lets the county know that we’re watching you.”
Cervantes’ suit was filed in August 2021, alleging assault, battery, negligence, civil rights violations and other causes of action. The deputies named as defendants along with the county were David Vega and Jonathan Miramontes.
“Isaias Cervantes has lived a life riddled with mental disabilities …” his lawyers stated in previous court…
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