This year there have been several high profile cases, regarding citizen deaths involving police officers, resulting in significant police department wrongful death settlements.
Recently, North Charleston in South Carolina approved a 6.5 million dollar settlement arising out of the death of Walter Scott, shot by an officer, while running from a routine traffic stop. Scott was unarmed, the officer fired eight shots as Scott fled.
New York City agreed to pay $5.9 million dollars to the family of Eric Garner, who died after he was allegedly placed in a choke hold by a police officer.
Baltimore agreed to pay $6.4 million dollars to the family of Freddie Gray, who died while he was in custody, being transported in a police van.
Albuquerque agreed to pay $5 million dollars to the family of a homeless man who was killed by police. Video indicated that James Boyd was shot as he appeared to be preparing to surrender. The U.S. Justice Department has been investigating the Albuquerque Police Department over allegations of excessive force.
In Arizona, when a governmental entity or employee is alleged to be responsible for injuries or death to another a Notice of Claim must be filed, pursuant to A.R.S. §12-821.01.