NYC to pay .5 million to protestor for excessive force during George Floyd protests.

A federal jury has awarded .56 million to Brigid Pierce, a protestor who sustained brain injuries during a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Brooklyn in 2020. The incident occurred on June 3, 2020, during protests inspired by the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis. At that time, Pierce, then 37, was engaged to her girlfriend and held a director of marketing position while also being an aspiring writer with eight unpublished novels.

The pivotal moment emerged when Pierce began filming law enforcement actions during the protest at the Barclays Center. Attorneys for Pierce argued that officers used excessive force against her, resulting in significant and permanent brain damage. Testimony indicated that her injuries impair her vision, cause chronic migraines, and could potentially lead to early dementia. Pierce’s attorney described a dramatic decrease in her quality of life, suggesting she is no longer able to engage in activities she once cherished, such as running marathons and writing.

Following a two-week trial, the jury concluded the city was liable for assault and battery against Pierce. Although the jury cleared one officer, Detective Joseph Ryder, of using excessive force, they found him negligent in failing to secure medical attention for her after the incident. Video evidence presented during the trial showed multiple officers pinning Pierce to the ground and slamming her head against the pavement.

Despite the mixed outcomes, the verdict has provided Pierce with a sense of relief after enduring the consequences of her injury for over five years. She emphasized the arduous nature of her ongoing recovery and the profound impact the incident has had on her life. While the jury did not find Ryder liable for every allegation of misconduct, they acknowledged the culpability of “John Doe” officers, suggesting broader issues surrounding police conduct during the protests.

The city’s Law Department spokesperson expressed satisfaction that the jury ruled in their favor regarding certain charges but noted that they would be evaluating their next steps in response to the verdict. Meanwhile, attorneys for the defense claimed that Pierce may have exaggerated her symptoms and highlighted changes in her narrative since filing the lawsuit.

Pierce’s ordeal has not only altered her physical health but also her professional trajectory. After losing her job due to cognitive impairments, she resettled in France to pursue a new career as a luthier. This transition exemplifies the significant personal upheaval she has faced as a direct result of what she claims was police brutality during a peaceful protest.

Ultimately, the jury awarded Pierce 3,000 for pain and suffering, 6,000 for lost wages, and 3,000 for future medical care. Her case underscores the ongoing debates surrounding law enforcement accountability and the rights of individuals participating in protests against systemic injustices.

This landmark verdict may resonate well beyond this individual case, potentially influencing discussions about police conduct and the treatment of protestors in similar situations across the country.