A grappler device is a specialized tool designed to safely stop vehicles during police pursuits without necessarily relying on collisions or dangerous maneuvers (like the PIT maneuver). Police departments, such as the Los Angeles Police Department, have implemented this new technology. Still, even technology considered “safe” can result in incidents if it is used incorrectly or if those using the technology are not properly trained.
Grappler incidents could lead to devastating auto accidents which could lead to injuries and could even be fatal. If you or a loved one was harmed due to an LAPD grappler incident, it is important that you seek legal help as soon as possible. You may have the right to file a claim and even receive compensation.
Here at the Normandie Law Firm, our team is more than ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to fight for your rights and get justice. Our team has decades of experience and is not afraid to take on any negligent party or entity. If you are ready to explore the legal options available to you, contact our team as soon as possible.
More Information on the LAPD Grappler Device
The Grappler is a vehicle-mounted system that is installed on the front of a police vehicle. It uses a strong tether and a net-like strap to latch onto a suspect vehicle’s rear wheel and gradually bring it to a stop.
Below, we’ve broken down how the grappler technology works:
- The officer must get directly behind the fleeing vehicle (this is usually within a few feet of the vehicle)
- The officer activates the system from inside the patrol car, shooting a strap/net forward from their bumper and wrapping around the rear tire of the suspects’ car
- The strap catches the tire, tightens, and locks into place
- The tether limits wheel rotation, creating drag, and forcing the car to gradually decelerate (this is supposed to reduce the risk of crashes/rollovers)
- The vehicle comes to a stop, allowing officers to approach and detain the suspect
Why the Grappler is being used: the bottom line is that police departments are adopting these grappler devices to reduce the dangers of high-speed pursuits, especially in urban areas. Some of the key benefits of the new technology include safer than PIT maneuvers, less risk to pedestrians, less damage to vehicles, and lower liability for police departments.
Grappler Incidents
The use of the grappler device can be very dangerous if it is not done correctly. More specifically, if the officers lack sufficient training, they can fail to use the device appropriately. They may activate the device without being in the right position, which can cause the suspect to lose control of their vehicle and crash. These incidents could result in a number of injuries, which could include the following:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Severed limbs
- Nerve injuries
- Psychological harm
- Death
No matter the specific harm that occurs, it is important to understand that the police department could face liability for the incident and for the harm that occurred.
A Recent Incident
On Wednesday, April 9, 2026, a police pursuit came to an end after the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department used their grappler. The grappler failed to attach to the suspect’s vehicle and caused the suspect to lose control and crash into a concrete wall surrounding a nearby home. After the crash, the suspect refused to exit the vehicle and a standoff ensued. The suspect later committed suicide in the vehicle. The footage of the incident shows the failed grappling, the vehicle losing control, and an innocent bystander running away from the concrete wall just moments before the crash occurred.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
If you or a member of your family were harmed in an incident involving a grappler that was not properly used, you could have the right to file a lawsuit and receive compensation. This is because even police departments have a duty of care to act with care and within reason to stop suspects. When they use any specific maneuver or technology, they must ensure that they are following all safety protocol/guidelines to prevent any risks to suspects and to the public. If they fail to do so, either due to lack of training or any recklessness (ignoring safety protocols, for example), then they can be liable and can be sued.
Government entities, like police departments, can be sued by injured individuals and their families (in the case of wrongful death). These claims are government claims. Many people are afraid to take action against government entities. Although the process of filing a government claim can be complicated, an experienced lawyer can help you get justice.
Is Recovery Available? Yes, depending on the details surrounding the incident, recovery could be available. Although every claim and situation is different, some of the different categories of compensation that could be available for recovery could include the following: medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, wrongful death benefits, legal expenses. Here at our firm, our team is committed to helping victims and their families recover the highest recovery available for their claims. Whether this means negotiating a settlement or taking claims to trial to reach a fair verdict, our team is ready to do whatever is necessary to secure the best recovery available.
The Deadline to Sue LAPD and Other Government Entities
All claims are subject to a statute of limitations or a deadline to sue. If claimants fail to file their claims on time, then they can lose their right to sue entirely. In general, government claims are subject to a much stricter filing period. While most claims are generally subject to a two-year deadline, government claims must be filed within just six months. During this six-month period, claimants must file an administrative claim directly with the agency involved. Then, based on the response of the agency, claimants may have either six months or two years to file their lawsuits.
Contact the Normandie Law Firm Today
If you are ready to explore the legal options available to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team as soon as possible. Our lawyers are not afraid to take on the LAPD or any other negligent police department to fight for your rights. We believe that all negligent government entities, including police departments, should be held accountable for their actions. Our firm is proud to be able to offer free case evaluations, which include free consultations and free second opinions. During these free legal services, our team will be available to answer all your questions, address all your concerns, and provide you with all the information that you may need to either begin or continue your claim. To schedule a free case review, contact our firm today.
Zero-Fee Guarantee: you will never be responsible for paying any upfront legal costs for any of our legal services. In addition, our team works on a strict contingency basis, meaning that you will not have to worry about paying anything if your claim is not successful. If you do not win, you simply will not be responsible for paying legal expenses.
Contact our team today to explore the legal options available to you and your family.
