Published: July 2026
Trial attorney Bernard Alexander of Alexander + Fehr LLP (A+F LLP) was recently featured in an L.A. TACO investigation covering a landmark $6.5 million jury verdict awarded to Pablo Vera, who suffered a broken arm after being struck by LAPD officers during celebrations following the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 NBA Championship. The jury unanimously found that the officers used excessive force, violated Vera’s civil rights, and acted based on race, making the verdict one of the largest civil rights and excessive force awards in recent Los Angeles history.
Throughout the article, Bernard discusses the significance of body-worn camera footage in proving what occurred and explains why accountability matters in excessive force cases. He also noted that the City of Los Angeles had opportunities to resolve the matter before trial but chose not to, ultimately leading to a substantially larger jury verdict. According to Bernard, video evidence helped ensure the facts were accurately presented, limiting conflicting accounts of the incident.
At Alexander, Morrison + Fehr LLP, Bernard continues to represent individuals in complex civil rights and personal injury cases involving serious injuries, government liability, and excessive force. His comments in the L.A. TACO article highlight the firm’s commitment to pursuing accountability and advocating for clients whose rights have been violated.
Read the full L.A. TACO article: https://lataco.com/lakers-fan-lapd-injury-payout?giftLink=9b86324b292415081fe962128c3a9bae
