$5.7m settlement in wrongful death lawsuit filed against California Highway Patrol

A $5.7 million settlement has been reached in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the parents of a Hilmar teen shot to death by a California Highway Patrol officer in 2001.

The lawsuit stemmed from a June 26, 2001, confrontation when Adams was shot and killed by CHP officer Paul Speers in Stanislaus County, after a high-speed pursuit that began in Delhi. A federal jury in Fresno decided in favor of Adams' parents Feb. 4, after a trial in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. The jury awarded the parents $4.6 million, and the second phase of the trial, involving punitive damages, was slated for this year. Rather than proceed to the punitive-damages phase, both sides agreed on the settlement.

SMSH Partner Jonathan Harris has successfully represented numerous clients against governmental bodies, including the police for injuries sustained and even wrongful deaths.  Please contact Mr. Harris at (800) 282-2122 with any questions about your case.