Q: How can I find out which officers to name in my lawsuit if the investigation is ongoing and involves 4 police departmen?
I am trying to sue the 4 police departments who are responsible for the death of my registered domestic partner. The investigation is still ongoing, 9 months later, and even the cause of death still saying pending on his death certificate. But I am on a time limit for filing these lawsuits so I need to know which officers to name in them but they won't tell me anything about the case because they are still investigating it.
A:
You are under strict time limits to file a lawsuit for wrongful death, loss of consortium, etc. You are required to give formal, written notice of a claim within 6 MONTHS from the date of the occurrence when it involves a public/government entity. There are certain exceptions for late filing of such a requirement.
The names of the individual officers are irrelevant for now. Submission of the claims against the police agencies (employers of the police officer) is the key and knowing which entity accepts service of the claim. For example, if 1 of the police departments is the City of Hemet, it has to be filed with City Clerk. Other law enforcement agencies such as the Sheriff's department have to be filed with the clerk for the County Bd. of Supervisors.
I suggest you contact a skilled and experienced Civil Rights attorney/lawfirm who handle police misconduct/excessive force cases IMMEDIATELY to determine if a late claim can still be filed. There are only a handful of us who are willing to handle such cases so call for a free initial consultation.
https://johnkaraslaw.com/
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