NEW YORK - THE family of a mentally disturbed man who died after being targeted by a New York police taser gun sued on Wednesday for US$10 million (S$15 million).

The family of Iman Morales is seeking the damages from the New York Police Department, New York City, and the officers involved.

'The lawsuit was filed this morning to seek justice for civil rights violations against Mr Morales when police tased him and caused him to fall head first to the sidewalk below,' lawyer Seth Harris told AFP.

Mr Morales, 35, died in September when he fell to the ground from a gate shortly after being tasered.

The emotionally disturbed man was naked and waving a florescent light at officers. The stun gun sent 50,000 volts into Mr Morales' body, leading him to fall on the sidewalk.

Just over a week later Lieutenant Michael Pigott, the commanding officer who had ordered a subordinate to use the taser, committed suicide.

An amateur video of the tasing incident was posted on YouTube, catching worldwide attention. -- AFP