After George Floyd protesters in Denver awarded $14 million, dozens of similar suits still pending

Protestors in Denver were awarded $14 million by a jury that determined the city's police used excessive force during the summer 2020 demonstrations.

Man holds Black Lives Matter sign as police car burns during protest, Atlanta, May 29, 2020

By Sophie Mann

A Colorado jury recently ruled that police used excessive force against protesters during demonstrations in summer 2020 over the killing of George Floyd.

Twelve individuals who sued will be awarded $14 million in damages.

The protesters in the Denver case were hit with pepper balls and a bag filled with lead. The jury last week found the use of excessive force by police violated the plaintiffs' constitutional rights.

According to the Associated Press, there are nearly 30 similar pending suits across the country challenge the use of force by law enforcement during the 2020 demonstration, which include ones the devolved into riots with injuries, looting and arson.

The jury results in Denver raised the possibility that some cities could settle with protesters instead to moving forward to trial and losing. Some protesters also might see the results and opt now to file suit.

The office of the city attorney in Denver says it has yet to decided whether to appeal the verdict. Appeals in such large cases are common.