Summary
A federal jury awarded Sinapi Law Associates client Emily Rodrigues $360,000 after finding a Pawtucket police officer liable for excessive force, assault, and battery in a 2019 on-duty incident, with interest and attorneys' fees to be added to the judgment.
A federal jury has awarded $360,000 in compensatory damages to our client, Emily Rodrigues, finding a Pawtucket police officer liable for excessive force under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, as well as assault and battery, for a 2019 on-duty incident.
The verdict was returned July 23 following a trial in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island before Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. Attorney Shannah Kurland of Sinapi Law Associates tried the case on behalf of Mrs. Rodrigues.
What Happened
The case arose from an incident on April 2, 2019, at the A&S Convenience Store at 248 West Avenue in Pawtucket. Mrs. Rodrigues alleged that the officer harassed her soon-to-be husband inside the store, then drove straight at her vehicle outside. She alleged the officer used excessive force by repeatedly grabbing and battering her.
The jury found the officer liable on all three claims — excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment under Section 1983, assault, and battery — and awarded Mrs. Rodrigues $360,000 in compensatory damages. The final judgment will also include interest on the award plus attorneys’ fees, which prevailing plaintiffs are entitled to recover in Section 1983 civil rights cases.
Why This Verdict Matters for Police Accountability in Rhode Island
Police officers hold significant power, and with that power comes accountability. When an officer uses force without justification, the Constitution provides a remedy. This verdict affirms that principle: a jury of ordinary citizens heard the evidence and concluded that what happened to Mrs. Rodrigues was unlawful.
“This is a victory not only for Mrs. Rodrigues and her family but also for her community and the Constitution,” said Attorney Kurland.
Holding Government Accountable
Police misconduct cases are hard-fought. Municipalities and their insurers defend them aggressively, and plaintiffs must prove their claims to a jury. This result reflects years of work by Sinapi Law Associates to bring Mrs. Rodrigues’ case to trial and see it through to verdict.
Talk to a Rhode Island Excessive Force Lawyer
If you believe your rights were violated by police or another government actor in Rhode Island, our civil rights attorneys can evaluate your case. Contact Sinapi Law Associates for a consultation.
Sinapi Law represents individuals in civil rights, disability discrimination, and reasonable accommodation cases against government agencies and private employers throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and federal courts in New England.
