Police brutality lawsuits in Houston

Do Tasers lead to police brutality? Find out why healthy people can be harmed by tasers.



Police officers often have to use tasers to subdue suspects or control dangerous situations. The use of excessive force and police brutality cases have always been controversial topics, especially when it is the word of police officers against citizens. Many times, there is not enough evidence or witnesses to effectively determine events in these cases.



The use of Tasers among police is also controversial, with concerns about how they affect pacemakers and implantable defibrillators. There are also several cases that show that repeated bursts by a Taser can be lethal.


Case in Point

San Antonio man dies after struggle with police, Taser use under investigation.



San Antonio authorities say a man has died after a struggle with police officers in which he was subdued with a Taser. Six officers tried to arrest a man when they said he turned violent. One officer has a dislocated hand and two officers suffered cuts and bruises. All six have been put on administrative duty.



Police said the 30-year-old man was handcuffed and in a patrol car when he stopped breathing and couldn't be resuscitated. An autopsy has been ordered.


Taser risks

Critics argue that TASERs as well as other high-voltage stun devices can cause cardiac arrhythmia, possibly leading to heart attack or sudden death. Taser use is controversial because otherwise healthy people may be unaware of their susceptibility to electric shock. In the United States, Tasers are not considered firearms and they can be legally carried (concealed or open) without a permit in 43 states. Tasers are prohibited for citizen use in:

• District of Columbia
• Illinois
• Hawaii
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Wisconsin

Read about our active police brutality case against an off-duty HPD officer. If you have a legal question, our board-certified personal injury attorneys can give you a free online evaluation of your potential claim . You can also call our office 24/7 at 877-342-2020. Our firm is located in Houston, Texas, but we maintain a national practice.