Florida Trooper Cleared in Tasing, but Civil Lawsuit May Follow

Trooper Daniel Cole of the Florida Highway Patrol was recently cleared of any misconduct in connection with his use of a taser to deter a woman trying to flee from police custody, but the young woman’s family plans to file a lawsuit against the agency.

In September 2011, 20-year-old Danielle Maudsley was arrested in Pinellas Park, Florida for fleeing the scene of an auto accident. After being handcuffed and in police custody, Maudsley attempted to escape. At that point, Trooper Cole used his taser to stop Maudsley. Unable to break her fall with her hands because she was handcuffed in the back, Maudsley instantly fell in the parking lot, hitting her head on the pavement.

Maudsley remains in a vegetative state, and her brain damage may be permanent.  Her medical bills over the rest of her young life may exceed $1 million.

If the family meets its burden in the civil lawsuit, the Florida Highway Patrol may be held vicariously liable for Maudsley’s permanent brain injuries and other damages based on Trooper Cole’s actions.  The plaintiffs’ potential recovery may be significant if they ultimately prove that the officer used excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, along with other civil rights violations.

The injury attorneys at PERENICH The Law Firm have over 70 years of combined experience in settling negligence and traumatic brain injury cases, together with the resources to take a case through trial and a jury verdict in the appropriate circumstances. We have tried dozens of personal injury lawsuits throughout Florida, including Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties, and you can count on us to fight to resolve your case for what it’s worth.