Settlement Reached in Virginia Police Brutality Lawsuit

A settlement has been reached in a police brutality lawsuit filed in Virginia.

A Prince George's County police officer was accused of assaulting 20-year-old Robert L. Scott, Jr. outside of a nightclub without provocation, and then collaborating with another officer to falsely charge Scott with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. Scott sued the officer, Cpl. Kenneth Goodwin, in a civil lawsuit, alleging that he beat him with a metal police baton for no reason.

Scott claims the attack was completely irrational. He says he was waiting for his friend next to the friend's car outside of a nightclub when he was approached by Goodwin, who ordered him to get in the car. Scott, who hadn't consumed any alcohol that night, told the officer that he had to wait for his friend to open the door. When his friend arrived and opened the doors, Scott saw another friend and stepped forward to shake his hand before getting in the vehicle. That's when he claims Goodwin came up behind him and hit him in the back of the head with a metal police baton. He said Goodwin then pushed his face and started to swing the baton towards his face. Scott said he put his arm up, which took the brunt of the blow. According to the lawsuit, Scott suffered a fracture in a bone in his forearm due to the attack.

On March 8, Scott accepted a $100,000 settlement from the county. His attorney says Scott is very pleased with the amount and feels he was justly compensated.

It was not reported whether or not Goodwin received any disciplinary action, if an investigation was conducted, or if he was fired or placed on administrative leave.

If you or a loved one is a victim of police brutality, you should take a moment to consult a personal injury attorney about filing a civil lawsuit against the officer and the department he or she works for. Police brutality is absolutely unacceptable, and any officer who intentionally hurts a citizen he or she has sworn to protect should be held accountable for their wrong doing. To learn more about your legal rights and options, click here to search our directory to find a personal injury lawyer near you who has experience handling police brutality claims.