Big Defense Verdict for Tom DeBernardis in NDNY Utica!

Tom DeBernardis secured a defense verdict on behalf of several sheriff’s deputies following a two-week jury trial in the United States District Court, Northern District of New York.  The plaintiff brought claims for excessive force and civil assault/battery under section 1983 of the Civil Rights Law, alleging violations of his Fourteenth Amendment Constitutional Rights while a pretrial detainee.  The plaintiff further alleged he sustained a traumatic brain injury and aggravated epileptic seizures.  DeBernardis successfully rebutted the plaintiff’s allegations with video footage from the incident date, as well as testimony from the deputies, a use of force expert, and a neurology expert.  Following deliberations, the jury determined none of the deputies violated the plaintiff’s Constitutional rights and found unanimously in favor of defendants.