The cost of slamming a gay man head-first into a wall, nearly killing him, because he asked why he was being arrested for no reason: $400,000

City officials are recommending that $400,000 be paid to the man who suffered a head injury during a controversial inspection at the Rainbow Lounge gay bar almost two years ago.
The amount, if approved Tuesday by the City Council, would settle Chad Gibson's claim for damages against the city. Gibson says excessive force was used against him during his arrest at the south Fort Worth bar on June 28, 2009.
Don Tittle, the civil attorney for Gibson and Armstrong, said all parties have worked together for months to reach a resolution without a lawsuit.
"Everybody worked toward a resolution that was fair," Tittle said. "I thought that the city, at least in this regard, they recognized that there was significant legal exposure. I think there was also just an element where they felt like it was, on some level, just the right thing to do."
Tittle said Gibson is still seeking treatment for injuries.
"He had some significant injuries and is still getting treated and will be for quite some time," Tittle said.
"Approval of this settlement should not be construed as an admission of liability by the City of Fort Worth, any liability in this matter being, in fact, expressly denied," the document states. "This settlement is entered into only to avoid time-consuming and costly litigation."
The controversial inspection by Fort Worth police and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agents sparked protests and allegations of police brutality.
But investigations by police and the commission concluded that no excessive force was used. An agent had said that Gibson fell and hit his head while handcuffed and vomiting outside the club.
Still, the commission fired two agents who participated in the inspection and their supervisor, citing policy violations, and Fort Worth Police Chief Jeff Halstead gave three officers one- to three-day suspensions.
Last year, city officials dropped misdemeanor charges of public intoxication against Gibson, Armstrong and two other arrested patrons. A misdemeanor charge alleging that Gibson had assaulted a commission agent was also dismissed.
Carolyn Beck, a commission spokeswoman, confirmed Friday that the state agency is also discussing settlements with Gibson and Armstrong.
Since the incident, Fort Worth police have created a department liaison to the city's gay community and added sensitivity training.

Fort Worth officials recommend paying $400,000 to man hurt in arrest at gay bar Fort Wor...