What happens when you get bit by a police dog in California? This dangerous encounter is more common than you think! As top California dog bite lawyers, we help our clients deal with this type of personal injury case every day. Dog attacks are especially scary when it involves a police dog because these dogs are trained to attack. A police K-9 bite can turn deadly. If you are dealing with a police dog bite injury, get in touch with the highly experienced team at Walch Law to learn more about your legal options. Your case could be worth millions and filing a case with us will cost you nothing upfront. 1-844-999-5342

K-9 Use Under Scrutiny After $1.6M Settlement

A recent $1.6 million police dog settlement awarded to Anthony Paredes by the city of San José highlights the significant legal and financial consequences of excessive force involving police K-9 units. The case stems from a 2020 incident where a police dog inflicted severe injuries on Paredes, raising critical questions about K-9 deployment, training, and departmental liability.

The Incident: A Minor Crime, A Major Injury

The events leading to the lawsuit began with a report of a strong-arm robbery at a grocery store. Anthony Paredes, who was not the primary suspect but fled the scene, was located by police hiding in a trashcan. After officers knocked over the can and Paredes indicated his surrender, a K-9 handler commanded his dog, Tex, to bite.

The dog latched onto Paredes’s head and neck for approximately 60 seconds. Body camera footage and court documents show the handler was unable to get the K-9 to release its grip, despite verbal commands, physical intervention, and an unsuccessful attempt to use a shock collar. During this time, other officers on the scene pleaded with the handler to get the dog off Paredes. The attack resulted in serious, lasting injuries, including a broken hyoid bone, a partially crushed vertebra, and nerve damage that has permanently affected his ability to speak and sing.

Legal Implications and Civil Rights

Paredes sued the city of San José, its police department, and several officers, alleging excessive force and a violation of his civil rights. Rather than proceed to trial, the City Council unanimously voted to settle the case for $1.6 million. This decision suggests the city recognized the high probability of a jury finding its officers liable for their actions.

The core legal issue is whether the use of the K-9 constituted excessive force under the circumstances. The initial crime was a non-violent theft, yet the police response involved a level of force that caused life-altering injuries. The handler’s inability to control the K-9 is a crucial factor. When a K-9 is deployed as a “find and bite” tool but cannot be recalled, it transforms from a means of apprehension into an uncontrolled weapon. This loss of control seriously undermines the justification for its use and exposes the department to significant liability.

Broader Impact on Law Enforcement

This settlement is more than just a financial payout; it is a signal to law enforcement agencies to reexamine their K-9 policies. The incident with Tex was not an isolated one, as reports show San José police dogs were involved in 187 bites over a five-year period. This pattern suggests a systemic issue rather than a single handler’s error.

Law enforcement agencies must ensure their K-9 units are not only well-trained but also reliably controlled in high-stress situations. This case underscores the need for stringent guidelines on when and how K-9s are deployed, particularly for non-violent offenses. The substantial settlement paid to Paredes serves as a costly reminder that when police tools—canine or otherwise—are used improperly, the consequences for both victims and taxpayers can be severe.

Best California Police Dog Bite Law Firm

Anytime you file a personal injury of wrongful death lawsuit against a public entity in Los Angeles and all of California, be prepared for a complicated case which is why you want a law firm that knows what they are doing and how to win these cases. Whether it is a police dog bite, a car accident with a paramedic or a major slip and fall on a city sidewalk, these cases are worth a lot of money and simple to start– it only takes one call to Walch Law. Call now to learn more.