Jury Grants $11.8 Million to Dodgers Fan Blinded by LAPD

A recent federal jury awarded $11.8 million to Isaac Castellanos, a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who was permanently blinded in one eye by a police projectile during a World Series celebration in 2020. This landmark verdict concluded a nearly six-year legal struggle after Castellanos was struck during a chaotic response by the LAPD.

Incident Overview

The incident occurred on October 28, 2020, around 1 a.m., near Crypto.com Arena. Castellanos, then a 22-year-old student at California State University, Long Beach, was celebrating the Dodgers’ victory when LAPD officers intervened in what they described as a response to escalating violence and vandalism. Castellanos argued that he was part of a largely peaceful crowd and posed no threat when he was hit.

Legal Implications

Castellanos filed a lawsuit against the LAPD, claiming excessive force was used during the officers’ response. His legal team is seeking to triple the jury’s award based on a California law that allows for increased damages in cases of wrongful action by police. The city may appeal this substantial sum, and any settlement requires approval from city officials.

Impact of Injury

The loss of vision significantly impacted Castellanos’s life and career aspirations. His attorney, Pedram Esfandiary, noted that the incident deprived him of opportunities in the burgeoning esports industry, in which he previously earned $20,000 at a gaming competition just months before the tragic event. Castellanos maintained that he had not heard any dispersal orders prior to being struck by the projectile.

Evidence and Jury Verdict

After six days of testimony, the jury took less than two hours to reach its decision. Esfandiary presented evidence showing Castellanos was hit by a 37-mm “skip trace” launcher, intended for lower body targeting, fired from a distance of approximately 145 feet. This distance was far beyond the LAPD’s policy for proper use of such weapons.

Broader Concerns About Police Tactics

Esfandiary expressed hope that the jury’s decision would signal the need for police reform regarding the use of less-lethal weapons. He emphasized that this case underscores broader issues within the department, as multiple lawsuits continue to emerge over similar incidents.

Changes in Police Policy

Following the incident, the LAPD has faced increased scrutiny. In January 2023, a judge implemented an injunction against the use of 40-mm launchers, leading to modified tactics during crowd control. However, the department has employed alternative crowd management methods, including tear gas and other munitions, during protests, particularly over contentious issues like immigration policies.

• Incident Date: October 28, 2020
• Financial Award: $11.8 million
• Defendant: LAPD
• Injury: Permanent loss of vision in one eye
• Age of Victim: 22 years old
• Previous Earnings in Esports: $20,000

This ongoing situation highlights the critical need for oversight and changes in police handling of crowds, particularly in relation to less-lethal weapon use.