Descalzo Law represents a young motorcyclist and his family in a lawsuit alleging that a preventable collision involving Miami-Dade Sheriff’s deputies caused catastrophic injuries, resulting in the amputation of both of his legs and permanently changing the course of his life.
Overview of the Case
Descalzo Law represents Joey Serpa, a young man whose life was forever altered following a collision involving a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s patrol vehicle near Miami International Airport.
According to the lawsuit, what began as an attempted traffic stop ended in a devastating crash that left Joey critically injured, hospitalized for months, and ultimately forced to undergo numerous surgeries—including the amputation of both legs following complications related to his injuries.
The lawsuit seeks accountability for the alleged actions that led to the collision and raises serious questions about police pursuit practices, the treatment of injured individuals in custody, and the protection of constitutional rights.
The Situation
In the early morning hours of May 24, Joey was riding his motorcycle when deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop.
Deputies later claimed that Joey fled, drove without lights, and intentionally braked in front of the patrol vehicle, causing the crash. According to the lawsuit, however, the evidence tells a different story.
The complaint alleges that:
- Joey’s motorcycle was struck from behind by a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s patrol vehicle.
- The pursuit may have violated the Sheriff’s Office’s own pursuit policies.
- Deputies improperly characterized Joey as responsible for the collision.
- Joey was subjected to false arrest despite severe, incapacitating injuries.
- He remained restrained and guarded in the hospital for nearly two weeks, despite never being formally charged.
- The family was denied meaningful access to him while he fought for his life.
Nearly a month later, prosecutors declined to pursue criminal charges against Joey.
The Defense Strategy
Descalzo Law approached this case with one objective: uncovering the truth and pursuing justice for a family whose lives were shattered overnight.
Our strategy focused on several critical issues:
- Investigating whether deputies complied with departmental pursuit policies.
- Examining inconsistencies between witness accounts, reports, and physical evidence.
- Challenging allegations that Joey intentionally caused the collision.
- Determining whether law enforcement violated Joey’s constitutional rights through false arrest and unlawful restraint.
- Preserving evidence related to dispatch communications, reports, and internal investigations.
- Demonstrating the full extent of Joey’s physical, emotional, and financial losses.
The case also involved investigating whether assumptions made immediately after the incident influenced how Joey was treated while hospitalized and whether those actions deprived him of fundamental protections afforded to every citizen.
What Was the Result
At the time of this Featured Matter, the litigation remains ongoing.
Descalzo Law continues to aggressively pursue accountability and advocate on Joey’s behalf as the evidence is developed through the legal process.
Our commitment remains steadfast: ensuring that those entrusted with authority are held to the same standards of responsibility and fairness expected of everyone else.
Attorney Perspective
“When someone suffers catastrophic injuries, the focus should be on compassion, accountability, and uncovering the facts—not rushing to conclusions. Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, especially when they are unable to advocate for themselves.”
At Descalzo Law, we understand that cases involving government entities can be intimidating for families already facing unimaginable hardship.
We believe that transparency matters. Constitutional rights matter. And when serious questions arise about how an incident was handled, they deserve to be fully and fairly examined.
— Marissel Descalzo
Managing Partner
What This Case Demonstrates
This matter highlights several important principles:
- Government agencies can and should be held accountable through the civil justice system.
- Internal policies governing police conduct exist to protect both officers and the public.
- Catastrophic injury cases require immediate investigation and preservation of evidence.
- Constitutional protections do not disappear during medical emergencies.
- Families deserve honesty, transparency, and access to their loved ones during times of crisis.
- Experienced advocacy is essential when confronting powerful institutions and navigating life-changing injuries.
Descalzo Law represents individuals and families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives, including catastrophic injury matters, civil rights claims, wrongful death cases, and complex litigation against governmental entities.
Disclaimer
The allegations described above are based on claims asserted in a pending civil lawsuit and publicly reported information. The defendants deny liability, and the claims have not been adjudicated by a court. Every legal matter is unique, and prior representations do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases. This Featured Matter is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Individuals facing legal issues should consult an attorney regarding the specific facts and circumstances of their situation.
