In February 2012, Stephanie Adams, a former Playboy Playmate, was awarded a $1.2 million verdict against the City of New York for excessive force of a police officer.
Represented by Rubenstein and Rynecki partner Sanford Rubenstein and trial attorney Nina Neumunz, Ms. Adams was awarded $1.2 million after she suffered permanent neck and back injury when Sergeant John Rajan made a controlled drop to the ground.
While on the ground, Ms. Adams recalls guns drawn on her and feared she would be shot. Sgt. Rajan later stated Ms. Adams was wearing tight-fitting clothing, and there was no place to conceal a weapon.
Summing up the case, personal injury attorney Sanford Rubenstein remarked [a]this jury verdict of $1.218 million in favor of Stephanie Adams as a result of her lawsuit against the city for excessive use of force by police, demonstrates that there is a real problem that exists in this city with regard to the excessive use of force by police against ordinary citizens.
From recent statistics, cases reported to the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board fell between 2006 and 2011. Despite that decline, even one case is too many. Noting she remains in daily physical pain from the ordeal, Ms. Adams stated I wouldn’t wish what happened to me on anyone.
Being hurt through negligence – or brutality – still occurs. If it happened to you, call us about your case. Call us to discuss your case.
