King County Agrees to Record $10 Million Settlement in Chris Harris Case

TACOMA, Wash., Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- King County officials today agreed to pay the family of Chris Harris $10 million nearly two years after a sheriff's deputy slammed him into a concrete wall, causing a catastrophic head injury after mistaking him for a suspect in a crime.

The settlement is believed to be the largest of its type against King County.

On May 10, 2009, Christopher Harris was walking in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood when deputies began chasing him, mistaking him for a suspect in a fight.

Two deputies chased the then-29-year-old man for two-and-a-half blocks before, according to a number of witnesses, Harris slowed, attempting to surrender. Surveillance video Deputy Matthew Paul running into Harris full-force, launching him eight feet into a concrete wall, and causing irreparable brain damage.

Paul's partner Joseph Eshom testified yesterday that they began running toward Harris before identifying themselves as law-enforcement officers.

The settlement came after two days of testimony in the trial against the county, showing disparities between the officers' statements and the testimony of eyewitnesses.

On Monday, Ryan White, a paramedic who responded to the incident, said the deputy told him Harris caused his own injuries after he "ran full speed, headfirst into the wall."

Witnesses in the trial that began on Jan. 20, including White, said they did not recognize the deputies as law-enforcement officers because they were wearing black, paramilitary uniforms. Other witnesses testified they believed Paul and his partner were nightclub bouncers or security guards.  

Until today, King County has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing or liability, claiming that the force deputies used against Harris "was reasonable, necessary and lawful under the circumstances," according to court documents  Deputy Paul remains an active sheriff's deputy after an internal investigation by the county cleared him of any wrongdoing. King County prosecutors also found no basis to pursue criminal charges.

Harris remains bedridden, unable to talk, and according to medical testimony, will require around-the-clock care for the rest of his life.

Harris's wife, Sarah, 30, is Chris's primary caregiver.

"Aside from all Sarah has to worry about with Chris, this case has caused her and her family a great deal of stress. We are glad that the county has taken responsibility for the actions of its deputy, and given Sarah the knowledge that paying for Chris's medical expenses is no longer part of her burden."

"My only objective in filing this suit is to make sure Chris has the best medical care possible, and I have the ability to stay with him and care for him at home," Sarah Harris said.

"We have always been open to reaching a settlement that ensures Sarah has the financial ability to take care of Chris," Osborn added. "It is a shame it took 18 months -- and five days of trial – until the county recognized its obligation."

"There are many people who have given me and my family the love and support we needed to make it this far," Harris said. "I want to give my heartfelt thanks to all the witnesses who stood up and told the truth about what they saw that night. I know it must have been difficult to contradict the sheriffs and the County. You are all angels in our eyes."

"There are no winners here. Yes, Sarah now has the resources to care for Chris at home, but he will never walk or talk again, nor will the two be able to have the life together they hoped for when they married just a few years ago," Osborn added.

The court will need to grant approval of the settlement before it becomes final, which could take as long as a month.  

About Osborn Machler

The attorneys at Osborn Machler represent plaintiffs in personal injury, products liability, and professional malpractice cases. Osborn Machler is noted for taking difficult cases and successfully taking them to settlement or trial. The firm has extensive experience representing injured persons against federal, state, and local governments. You can learn more about the firm, its cases and expertise at www.osbornmachler.com.

SOURCE Osborn Machler