Comatose Victim Chris Harris' Family Files $25 Million Claim Against Seattle

Chris Harris was severely injured in a Seattle Police arrest back on May 10, 2009.  Harris has been in a coma since and doctor's say there is little hope he will come out of it.  His wife, Sarah Jorgenson, took the first steps this week to begin a civil case against the Seattle Police Department.



The brutal injury has left Harris with permanent brain damage and he will require life long care.  His medical bills are already approaching $1 million. 

Although prosecutor's elected to not file any criminal charges against Seattle Police Officer Matthew Paul, that does not mean that he was not negligent.  Harris was injured due to a mistaken identification from a fight earlier that evening.  Paul's conduct might not have risen to the level of a crime, but it may meet the legal elements of negligence, excessive use of force, or another civil cause of action.

Questions surround whether or when Seattle Police identified themselves to Harris.  It's also worthy of note, that the two police officers who chased Harris were not dressed in typical uniforms.  Officer Paul and his partner wear wearing all black commando or swat team type gear.  Harris may not have perceived them as police at all but rather threats to his safety.  These issues will likely be front and center in the coming civil lawsuit.

The City of Seattle has 60 days to respond to the claim filed by Harris' family.  If the City of Seattle fails to respond then the Harris family may file a lawsuit seeking damages for the incident that led to Harris' catastrophin injuries.