Waples & Hanger
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About Waples & Hanger
Waples & Hanger is an Indianapolis plaintiffs' firm founded in 1996 by law partners Richard A. Waples and JauNae M. Hanger. The firm litigates civil rights and constitutional cases against governmental defendants, including false arrest, police brutality and misconduct, inhumane prison conditions, denial of medical and mental health care to incarcerated people, wrongful death, failure to protect, equal protection, whistleblower and First Amendment claims, and consumer class actions. The firm devotes extensive resources to advancing the legal rights of children through litigation, legislative advocacy and bar association work. In March 2026 the City of Indianapolis agreed to pay $3,750,000 to settle the federal wrongful death claims of the family of Herman Whitfield III, who died after being restrained by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers.
Proven verdicts and settlements won by Waples & Hanger
Gladys Whitfield called 911 on April 25, 2022 asking for help for her son, who was experiencing a mental health crisis. Six Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded. Herman Whitfield III was tased and restrained face down until he stopped responding. He was pronounced dead at a hospital within the hour. The coroner ruled it a homicide.
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