Workers comp claims pour in from Baltimore riots

A protestor breaks a window at a store after a rally for Freddie Gray, Saturday, April 25, 2015, in Baltimore. Gray died from spinal injuries about a week after he was arrested and transported in a po/ AP

Baltimore city workers have filed 169 workers compensation claims for injuries sustained during the civil unrest that began in April, Bob Cenname, the city's deputy budget director, said Thursday.

A number of police officers and other city staffers were injured after protests turned into riots and looting following the April 27 funeral of Freddie Gray, who died in police custody on April 19 from injuries to his spinal cord.

The city expects to pay out $1.7 million for medical bills, lost work time, and potential disability awards, Mr. Cenname said in an email.

Mr. Cenname said the “projection is based on our historical experience with similar types of injuries.”

He added that 127 of the 169 claims filed were for injuries caused by flying or falling objects. Meanwhile, 22 of the claims filed were for injuries caused by falls and/or altercations.

The city's workers comp costs are among an estimated $20 million the rioting is expected to cost taxpayers, Mr. Cenname said.