Man sues 8 Denver police officers for firing rubber bullets during 2020 protests
A federal magistrate in Denver allowed a man to amend his lawsuit for excessive force against Denver Police officials during the city’s 2020 George Floyd protests to include more names of officers he identified since filing his case. Although the legal deadline for amending the lawsuit had passed, magistrate N. Reid Neureiter granted the request because of the extensive time it took to identify the officers the plaintiff alleges shot rubber bullets at him.
According to his lawsuit, the man was injured after he was hit by a rubber bullet in the face. The force of the impact shattered his skull, destroyed his sinus cavity, and fractured the orbital bone around his left eye. Former Police Chief Paul Pazen, retired Cmdr. Patrick Phelan, and the City of Denver are also named as defendants in the lawsuit.
When can Denver police officers use rubber bullets?
Also known as kinetic impact projectiles (KIPs), rubber bullets are considered a less-lethal option that police officers may use in situations where they need to control a crowd or subdue a potentially dangerous individual.
However, the use of rubber bullets must be justified and proportionate to the threat posed by the individual or the situation. Police officers are expected to use rubber bullets as a last resort and only when other methods of de-escalation have failed.
Specifically, police officers may use rubber bullets in situations such as:
- Crowd control: If a crowd is becoming unruly or violent, police officers may use rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
- Riot control: Rubber bullets may be used to control riots or other forms of civil unrest.
- Self-defense: Police officers may use rubber bullets to defend themselves or others if they are being threatened with violence.
- Animal control: Rubber bullets may be used to control dangerous animals.
It’s important to note that the use of rubber bullets can still result in serious injuries or death, and should only be used in accordance with the guidelines and protocols set forth by the police department and with a thorough consideration of the potential risks and consequences. If you were injured by a rubber bullet, you need to speak to a seasoned Denver police excessive force lawyer to see if you have a case. If there was no need for the police to fire rubber bullets at the time you were injured you may be entitled to seek compensatory damages for your financial losses as well as for your pain and suffering.
What types of injuries can rubber bullets cause?
Rubber bullets can cause a range of injuries depending on the distance they are fired from, the velocity of the bullet, and the part of the body that is hit. Keep in mind that rubber bullets are not entirely rubber, as they usually have a metal or plastic core covered in rubber.
Some common injuries associated with rubber bullets include:
Contusions or bruises: These are the most common injuries caused by rubber bullets. They are usually minor injuries that can cause pain, swelling, and discoloration at the site of impact.
Fractures or broken bones: Rubber bullets can cause fractures or broken bones, especially when they are fired at close range or a high velocity.
Eye injuries: Rubber bullets can cause serious eye injuries, including blindness when they hit the eye directly.
Internal injuries: Rubber bullets can cause internal injuries, such as damage to the internal organs when they are fired at close range.
Death: In rare cases, rubber bullets can cause death, especially when they are fired at close range or hit a vulnerable part of the body, such as the head or neck.
If you were a victim of any type of police brutality, you should contact an experienced civil rights lawyer at the Bryan & Terrill law firm to see if you have a case.
Contact info:
333 W. Hampden Ave., #420B
Englewood, CO 80110
(720) 923-2333
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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