Larimer Settles with Family Of Tasered Man

The Denver Post

Larimer County today said it would pay $225,000 to the family of a man who died after being repeatedly Tasered by sheriff's deputies, rather than going to federal court.

The settlement between the county and the family of Timothy Mathis was disclosed today to the Larimer County commissioners. The two sides reached an agreement after a month of negotiations, said Larimer County Attorney George Hass.

The Mathis family had filed suit against the county, claiming excessive force caused the death of the 35-year-old Mathis. Monday was supposed to be the first day of trial.

The Mathis family estate will receive $100,000, and $125,000 will go for an annuity for Mathis' daughter that she can collect when she turns 21, said Hass.

Hass said the settlement ends what could have been an expensive trial for everyone involved in the case. "It settles the claim," he said.

Money for the settlement will come from the county's risk-management fund, said Hass.