Curtis Bunch vs Retriever Towing Company, et al

Case Background

On June 30, 2022, Plaintiff Curtis Bunch filed an Assault lawsuit in the Oregon State, Circuit Court of Multnomah County (Case number: 22CV21853). Judge Adrian L. Brown presided over the case.

Cause

In the early hours of July 4, 2020, Retriever Towing Company, an Oregon corporation, unlawfully took possession of Curtis Bunch's 2009 Mercedes SUV without authorization. On July 6, 2020, Bunch, a documented person with a disability, visited Retriever Towing's premises to reclaim his vehicle. He parked in a designated accessible space, displaying his valid Parking Permit for an Individual with a Disability. Richard Pinkerton, the manager and tow truck operator for Retriever Towing, confronted Bunch and demanded he vacate the accessible space. When Bunch asserted his legal right to park there, Pinkerton escalated the situation. He verbally threatened Bunch, assumed an aggressive stance, and then physically assaulted him by striking his head, face, and upper torso. Following a jury trial on February 19, 2021, in Marion County Circuit Court, Pinkerton was convicted of Assault in the Fourth Degree (ORS 163.160(2))

Injuries

The assault had severe and lasting consequences for Curtis Bunch. The incident triggered an acute seizure, highlighting the immediate impact of the attack. Bunch suffered substantial physical trauma to his head, face, and upper body, with medical professionals classifying his injuries as permanent and degenerative. This condition suggests a progressive deterioration over time, making him more susceptible to future injuries. Bunch also endured severe psychological trauma, including fear during the assault and ongoing mental anguish and distress. These physical and psychological i