In a resounding victory for victims of law enforcement overreach, a federal jury has awarded $6.8 million to Slade Douglas, a U.S. Army veteran and former law enforcement officer. The verdict stems from a 2019 incident where Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers transformed a routine “welfare check” into a nightmare of unlawful detention by police and forced medical intervention. At the Police Brutality Center, we believe this case serves as a critical reminder that “protection” should never be used as a mask for the violation of constitutional rights. Whether it is a case of excessive force or a fraudulent improper 5150 hold lawsuit, our mission is to ensure that victims have the legal pathways necessary to hold power accountable.
The High Cost of a Misused Welfare Check
The ordeal began on August 27, 2019, when a Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) counselor incorrectly reported to authorities that Douglas might be suicidal following a disagreement over a discrimination complaint. Despite Douglas remaining calm and clearly stating he was not a danger to himself or others, LAPD officers Jeremy R. Wheeler and Jeffrey H. Yabana refused to leave his residence.
When Douglas attempted to call 911 for assistance against the intruding officers, they knocked the phone from his hands and handcuffed him, ignoring his pleas regarding pre-existing spinal injuries. This escalation led to an involuntary 5150 psychiatric hold, a California code meant for those in immediate crisis, but here used as a tool for retaliation. This incident underscores why victims need an experienced civil rights lawyer for police misconduct to navigate the complexities of police-led medical trauma.
"A Level of Dehumanization"
During the trial, the harrowing details of Douglas’s time in custody were revealed. After being transported to a hospital, Douglas was subjected to nine forced injections, rendered semi-unconscious, and underwent invasive medical procedures—including catheterization—without his consent. Officers were reportedly captured on body-camera footage laughing and joking about Douglas’s physical disabilities while he was restrained.
“It’s a level of dehumanization, and it’s clear that the City and LAPD believe certain people are not entitled to their constitutional rights,” Douglas stated following the verdict. His attorney noted that the jury’s decision “affirms that constitutional rights are not optional” and highlighted that the department was aware of officer Wheeler’s prior fitness-for-duty issues.
Implications for Police Accountability and Injury Victims
This $6.8 million police brutality lawsuit payout is more than just a financial settlement; it is a challenge to the systemic culture of the LAPD. The lawsuit included a “Monell claim,” which argues that the department itself is responsible if the misconduct is part of a long-standing custom or lack of oversight. For many injury victims, the trauma of such an encounter lasts a lifetime, often resulting in PTSD or physical harm that mirrors the very “welfare” officers claimed to be protecting.
At Police Brutality Center, we specialize in identifying these patterns of abuse. From wrongful hospitalization police lawsuits to cases of prison guard abuse, our legal partners bring decades of experience to the fight for systemic change. We understand the “pain points”—the anger, the vulnerability, and the desperate need for a response that the police often fail to provide.
Fighting for Your Justice
The Slade Douglas verdict is a beacon of hope for anyone who has felt powerless against the state. It proves that when the facts are brought to light, the system can be forced to answer for its failures. However, achieving this level of accountability requires relentless advocacy and deep expertise in civil rights law.
If you have experienced police brutality firsthand or have lost a loved one due to police misconduct, we may be able to connect you with a civil rights lawyer to help you pursue justice. Our team at Police Brutality Center is dedicated to ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are restored. Contact us today for a free consultation. Together, we can drive the awareness and systemic change necessary to prevent further harm.