The settlement concludes a civil lawsuit filed against the Connecticut city after the incident that occurred in June 2022, where Cox was paralyzed from the chest down when the police van abruptly stopped, causing him to be thrown against the back wall while handcuffed and without a seat belt.
Randy Cox, who was left paralyzed in a New Haven police van due to negligence, has agreed to a $45 million settlement with the City of New Haven
Cox’s legal team, comprising Ben Crump, Louis Rubano, and R.J. Weber, stated that this settlement sets a record as the largest involving a police misconduct case in US history. In a joint statement, the attorneys acknowledged the city’s mistakes and emphasized the importance of moving forward, expressing their hope that New Haven residents can regain trust in their city and police department.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker recognized the settlement as a crucial step in the accountability process. While acknowledging that nothing can fully restore Cox’s life to its previous state, Elicker expressed confidence that the settlement will enable him to access the necessary support and medical care to move forward.
The $45 million settlement will be covered by the city’s insurance, with $30 million coming from insurance and the remaining amount being paid by the city
This announcement closely follows the recent decision by the New Haven Board of Police Commissioners to dismiss two of the five officers involved in the incident, Jocelyn Lavandier and Luis Rivera, which Cox’s attorneys applauded as a commitment to accountability and justice.
In response to the dismissal, Lavandier’s attorney, Daniel Ford, criticized it as a rushed judgment. As of now, the five officers, including Lavandier and Rivera, who transported Cox after his arrest for alleged illegal possession of a handgun, have pleaded not guilty and are yet to stand trial.
READ ALSO: Indiana Man Arrested And Charged With Stalking Taylor Swift