Fort Lauderdale has agreed to pay $1.975 million to LaToya Ratlieff, who was seriously injured during a 2020 protest following George Floyd’s death.
Ratlieff, a peaceful demonstrator, was struck in the face with a rubber bullet fired by police, fracturing her right eye socket and leaving her with permanent injuries.
The settlement, announced this week, not only compensates Ratlieff but also underscores ongoing police reform efforts in the city.
Mayor Dean Trantalis acknowledged structural changes in the wake of the incident, including the removal of the police chief and updates to rules of engagement.
Ratlieff, the great-niece of civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer, expressed her continued commitment to justice.
“Even when things are really bad, I feel like I don’t have a choice but to do what’s right,” she said. Despite her injuries, she hopes the settlement will inspire others to stand up for their rights.
Attorney Ben Kuehne, who represented Ratlieff, emphasized the broader implications of the case, noting that it should serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability.
He also filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of others affected by police actions during the protests.
The settlement reflects Ratlieff’s dual aims of seeking justice and driving systemic change.
“100% recovery isn’t the goal; progress and reform are,” she noted, calling for continued advocacy against excessive use of force.
The class-action suit remains pending, potentially exposing the city to further liabilities as protesters demand justice for police misconduct during the demonstrations.
