“Excess Force” Lawsuit Filed Against Southfield Police Officer and City Following Catastrophic Injuries to Motorist
Media Contact: Vince Colella @ 248.945.0100
Southfield, Mich. ---March 28, 2025--- Personal injury and civil rights law firm Moss & Colella P.C. has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against a Southfield Police Officer and the City of Southfield seeking money damages for a violent police encounter that left a man with catastrophic spinal injuries.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Valerii Turkin, alleges that on July 5, 2024, following a minor traffic accident at Twelve Mile and Inkster Roads, the Officer used excessive and unreasonable force by body- slamming Mr. Turkin headfirst onto the ground. Mr. Turkin, who has limited English proficiency, suffered severe spinal injuries, including fractures to his C3, C4, and T1 vertebrae, bilateral vertebral artery dissections, and spinal cord damage requiring emergency surgery.
This case demonstrates police misconduct that should never be tolerated, said attorney A. Vince Colella. "Mr. Turkin posed no threat to the officer or anyone else at the scene. He was a motorist with limited English proficiency who had been involved in a traffic accident." According to the complaint, emergency medical personnel at the scene reported hearing a "pop" from Mr. Turkin's neck when the Officer slammed him to the ground. Mr. Turkin was immediately rendered unconscious and unresponsive, requiring emergency evacuation to Ascension Providence Hospital, where he underwent complex spinal surgery followed by seven days in intensive care and an additional ten days of hospitalization. Unfortunately, "Mr. Turkin will likely suffer permanent disability as a result of this officer's actions, and we intend to hold both the individual officer and the city accountable,"Colella says.
The lawsuit alleges violations of Mr. Turkin's federal Constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment, as well as state law claims of assault/battery and gross negligence. The complaint also names the City of Southfield as a defendant, alleging failure to properly train, supervise, and discipline officers regarding the use of force, particularly when dealing with individuals who face language barriers. "When a police officer uses this type of force, it is typically reflective of an insular culture within a department and not simply an isolated incident," Colella added.
Moss & Colella, P.C. is a Southfield-based law firm specializing in personal injury and civil rights litigation. The case has been assigned to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division.
Moss & Colella, P.C. is a Southfield-based law firm that specializes in personal injury and civil rights litigation. The firm has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients throughout Michigan. To learn more about the firm and its diverse areas of practice, visit www.mosscolella.com.
client review
I was referred to Moss & Colella in 2018 following a car accident. I cannot tell you how confident and safe I felt knowing that I was in good hands. David, and Ryan made sure that I always had any questions or concerns addressed in a timely manner. I appreciated their compassion, and understanding as I got emotional, and the reassurance they provided, made me feel important and valued as a client. If you need a great lawyer for an injury, this is your firm! I hope I never need to be in a position where I’d need their help again, but if I did, I’d gladly seek their services!
Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers
Moss & Colella was established in 1997 to offer personal attention to clients. The firm is recognized as a leader in personal injury litigation and will always have an attorney ready to help win your case.
