This was a negligent security excessive force case that was taken all the way through trial to verdict against a well-known defense firm, Tyson & Mendes, with veteran trial attorney Ed Leonard serving as lead defense counsel. The case was a zero-offer case throughout litigation. The incident involved an unlicensed security guard who was improperly assigned to a post and who mistakenly believed the plaintiff was committing a theft. In reality, the plaintiff was the owner of a jewelry store who was pursuing individuals who had just stolen from him.
The security guard misinterpreted the situation and violently intervened, slamming the plaintiff to the ground and causing serious back injuries that required surgery. The case proceeded to trial in Van Nuys, California—traditionally considered a conservative venue—where the jury returned a $2.3 million verdict. The result underscores the importance of proper training and licensing of security personnel and demonstrates that juries will hold companies accountable for excessive force and negligent security practices.