Rancho Cucamonga Deputies Accused of Excessive Force: Understanding Wrongful Death Claims

In Rancho Cucamonga and across the nation, instances of alleged excessive force by law enforcement leading to fatalities spark serious legal and ethical questions. When a person dies as a result of what is believed to be unjustified force by police officers, the family may pursue a wrongful death claim. Understanding the nuances of these claims, especially when involving law enforcement, is crucial for those affected and the wider community. In 2024, a Rancho Cucamonga resident died after an encounter with San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies, prompting a lawsuit alleging excessive force and wrongful death, highlighting the importance of understanding these complex legal issues.

What Constitutes Excessive Force?

Excessive force is defined as the use of more force than is reasonably necessary to subdue a suspect, make an arrest, or control a situation. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, which includes the right to be free from excessive force by law enforcement officers. Determining whether the force used was excessive involves evaluating the totality of the circumstances, including:

The severity of the crime: Was the individual suspected of a serious or violent offense?
The threat posed by the suspect: Did the suspect pose an immediate threat to the safety of the officers or others?
Resistance to arrest: Was the suspect actively resisting arrest or attempting to flee?
Other factors: Any other circumstances that might have justified the use of force.

Wrongful Death Claims: The Basics

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought by the family of a deceased person against the party responsible for their death. In cases involving alleged excessive force by law enforcement, the claim asserts that the officer’s actions were unlawful and directly caused the death. To succeed in a wrongful death claim, the plaintiff (the family) must prove the following elements:

Duty of Care: The law enforcement officer had a duty to act reasonably and avoid causing harm to the individual.
Breach of Duty: The officer’s actions constituted a breach of that duty, meaning their conduct fell below the standard of care expected of a reasonable officer in similar circumstances.
Causation: The officer’s breach of duty directly caused the death of the individual.
Damages: The family has suffered damages as a result of the death, such as loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.

Specific Considerations in Cases Against Law Enforcement

Wrongful death claims against law enforcement officers present unique challenges. Here are some key considerations:

Qualified Immunity: Law enforcement officers are often protected by qualified immunity, which shields them from liability unless their conduct violates clearly established statutory or constitutional rights, and there’s existing case law demonstrating that the officer’s specific actions were unlawful.
Objectively Reasonable Standard: Courts apply an “objectively reasonable” standard when evaluating an officer’s use of force. This means the court will consider whether a reasonable officer, facing the same circumstances, would have used the same level of force.
Burden of Proof: The burden of proof rests on the plaintiff to demonstrate that the officer’s actions were unreasonable and caused the death. This can be challenging, as officers are often given the benefit of the doubt in tense, rapidly evolving situations.
Access to Information: Obtaining evidence in these cases can be difficult. Police departments may be reluctant to release information, and witnesses may be hesitant to come forward.
Legal Representation: Navigating these complexities requires experienced legal counsel. A skilled attorney can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on behalf of the family.

Recent Cases and Legal Actions

Several cases in Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino County highlight the ongoing concerns surrounding alleged excessive force by law enforcement.

Mohd F. Hijaz Case (2024): The family of Mohd F. Hijaz filed a lawsuit against the city of Rancho Cucamonga and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, alleging excessive force and wrongful death. The incident occurred when deputies responded to a report of a person “in distress and behaving erratically.” The lawsuit claims that deputies used excessive force, including baton strikes and slamming his head onto the pavement, ultimately leading to his death.
Anthony Wright Case (2023): Anthony Wright was rendered quadriplegic because of the excessive force and unreasonable actions of guards at a local jail in San Bernardino, California. The lawsuit was filed April 15, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and demands a trial by jury.

These cases underscore the need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices.

Potential Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim

If a wrongful death claim is successful, the family may be entitled to various types of damages, including:

Economic Damages: These damages are intended to compensate the family for financial losses, such as lost income, lost benefits, and funeral expenses.
Non-Economic Damages: These damages are intended to compensate the family for intangible losses, such as loss of companionship, loss of emotional support, and pain and suffering.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the officer for egregious misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future.

Seeking Justice and Accountability

If you believe that a loved one has died as a result of excessive force by law enforcement in Rancho Cucamonga, it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A wrongful death attorney can help you understand your rights, investigate the incident, and pursue a claim for damages.

Taking legal action can not only provide financial compensation to help the family cope with their loss but also hold law enforcement accountable for their actions and promote positive change within the community. It is important to note that there are time limits for filing a wrongful death claim, so it is crucial to act promptly. In California, most personal injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the injury or death.

Moving Forward

The issue of excessive force by law enforcement is a complex and sensitive one. By understanding the legal framework surrounding wrongful death claims, families can seek justice for their loved ones and contribute to a more accountable and transparent law enforcement system. If you have questions about a potential wrongful death claim, consulting with an experienced attorney is a critical first step.