Document everything, especially your injuries. Take photos; it’s impossible to take too many. Obtain any available video footage of the event, including cell phone and video cam. Seek medical attention immediately. Get the names of any witnesses at the scene.
Police brutality often occurs when the police use excessive force, make improper or illegal arrests, or falsely imprison a person. When police officers use excessive force or make a false arrest, they have violated your civil rights, your state and federal Constitutional rights. You have the right to make claims against them under state and federal law. There are different types of claims depending upon what the police did, although many cases are filed under Section 1983 of the federal Civil Rights Act.
The most frequent police brutality claims allege the use of excessive force/police brutality, false or unlawful arrest, or false imprisonment. An excessive force claim arises when police and other law enforcement agents respond to a situation using more physical force than necessary to control the situation. Often, the police officers used a weapon or unnecessarily beat a person. False arrest claims arise when a police officer arrests someone without having “probable cause” that the person is committing or has committed a crime and that the person being arrested is a responsible party. Finally, a false imprisonment claim arises when police or other law enforcement agents’ use unauthorized bodily restraint, not necessarily placing them in jail.
The physical, emotional, financial and legal consequences of police brutality can be staggering. We place a lot of trust in the police, and a betrayal of that trust should not go unacknowledged or un-pursued. An excessive force lawsuit can not only obtain compensation for the victim and the victim’s family, it can also help to prevent further harm by ensuring that police officers stay within the bounds of the law. If you’ve suffered severe, permanent injuries from police misconduct, and you’re wondering- “What Do You Do Now?” you’ve got rights and we’ve got answers- that pay.
