The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

Taser International has settled a defective product lawsuit with a man from Watsonville, California. The man will receive $2.85 million for injuries suffered during a 2006 incident when he was tasered by a police officer.

In October 2006, Steven Butler refused to get off a bus. At the time, he was drunk and had not taken his psychiatric medication. A Watsonville police officer used a Taser X-26 to stun him. After being tasered, Butler went into cardiac arrest and his breathing ceased for 18 minutes before medical professionals could revive him. As a result, Butler suffered a serious brain injury.

He has sustained permanent injuries from the incident, including:

• Brain damage
  
• Loss of short term memory
  
• Reduced mobility
  
• Deterioration of motor skills
  

Butler currently needs 24-hour care and cannot be left alone. Medical experts do not expect him to make a recovery. Since the accident, Butler's brother, David, has taken care of him. The settlement will establish a special-needs trust to provide Butler's family with over $4,700 a month to pay for medical expenses.

This is the first time Taser International has settled a defective product claim. While the company has agreed to the settlement, it did not admit any liability for Butler's brain injury.

If you have suffered an injury after being stunned by a Taser, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. The experienced defective product lawyers at The Cochran Firm will aggressively fight for your rights to ensure you receive the financial resources necessary to move on with your life.

Please contact our defective product lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Cochran Firm serves clients nationwide.