City of Toledo Settles Civil Rights Lawsuit with 14 Protesters

Toledo Agrees to Pay $400,000 to Protesters Injured by Police Actions

Background

During protests following George Floyd’s death in May 2020, Toledo police officers began indiscriminately shooting wooden bullets at demonstrators, causing physical injury to multiple people. The officers’ actions prompted several plaintiffs to file a lawsuit against the City of Toledo in 2021. 

In addition to seeking justice and accountability for the violations of their constitutional rights, the plaintiffs wanted injunctive relief to put an end to unjustifiable violence against peaceful protesters in Toledo.

Approach & Resolution

FG+G represented 16 plaintiffs in this case to pursue justice and meaningful change. Monetary compensation was contingent upon finalizing a permanent injunction to protect the rights and safety of future protesters. 

U.S. District Judge James Carr signed the permanent injunction on May 2, 2024. The injunction bans the use of wooden bullets and bean bags against peaceful protesters; restricts the use of tear gas; requires the use of body and vehicle cameras; and records communications when a SWAT unit is mobilized. FG+G also secured a $400,000 settlement, with 13 plaintiffs each receiving $25,000, and one plaintiff receiving $75,000 due to the extent of her injuries. Two plaintiffs opted to move forward with civil cases.

“What happened to them cannot be swept under a rug. It is extremely dangerous to allow police to use targeted violence against protesters – peaceful protesters. I’m so happy for these plaintiffs that they were able to achieve this kind of change with a lawsuit. Not everyone can do that. This injunction will make a difference. It will make protesting safer in Toledo.”
— Sarah Gelsomino, FG+G partner
 
 
 
FG+GSaray Pratt, Sarah Gelsomino, civil rights, toledo