Denver to Pay $980,000 to Settle Lawsuit Over Police Brutality During George Floyd Protests
Denver has agreed to pay $980,000 to settle a lawsuit filed on behalf of eight individuals who were seriously injured by police during the George Floyd protests in 2020. The settlements were approved by the City Council on Monday, marking a significant step towards justice for the victims of police brutality.
The joint lawsuit, filed in 2021, alleged that police officers used excessive force against the plaintiffs as they peacefully protested in response to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. The plaintiffs were targeted, shot at, gassed, and fired upon by law enforcement, resulting in various injuries.
According to the complaint, the police officers’ actions were unconstitutional and stemmed from a lack of proper training, as well as flawed customs and practices within the department. The plaintiffs will receive payouts ranging from $60,000 to $300,000 per person, with the total settlement amounting to nearly $1 million.
Among the plaintiffs is Alex Wolfson, who sustained a severe eye injury after being struck by a hard projectile fired by police while he was skateboarding near the protests. Wolfson required surgery to repair his damaged eye and continues to face challenges with his vision.
Other individuals involved in the lawsuit reported being subjected to tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades while peacefully protesting. The settlements reached in this case are part of a larger effort to address the harm caused by police misconduct during the George Floyd protests.
Attorneys from Baumgartner Law and the Beem & Isley law firms represented the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Following the City Council’s approval of the settlements, attorney Danielle Beem emphasized the importance of holding the city and the Denver Police Department accountable for their actions.
Beem stated that the outcome of the lawsuit should prompt the implementation of more effective policies and practices to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The settlements serve as a reminder of the impact of police brutality on peaceful protesters and the need for systemic change within law enforcement agencies.
In addition to this lawsuit, another case involving 42 individuals who were arrested or exposed to tear gas and pepper spray during the protests was settled earlier. The resolution of these legal disputes is a step towards healing and justice for those affected by police violence.
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