Police brutality is a national problem, with New Mexico victims of excessive force and other police misconduct highlighting the need for reform. If you have been hurt by a member of the police force, contact an experienced police brutality lawyer at once to protect your rights and hold the officer accountable.
Law enforcement officers are granted broad discretion in the performance of their duties, but they cannot use that discretion to trample basic civil rights and inflict pain on completely innocent people. Whether through excessive force, false arrest or other misconduct, an officer’s actions may be grounds for a lawsuit against the officer as well as the department they work for. A New York Police brutality lawyer advocating for justice can help you understand your legal options and pursue justice.
In 2021 alone, the CCRB received 3,393 complaints and completed 612 full investigations. Of those, 34% were substantiated. However, a successful civil suit against an individual officer or the NYPD as a whole requires more than just a complaint with the CCRB. You must hire a New York police brutality attorney to ensure your case is heard and that you get the compensation you deserve.
When you hire a police brutality attorney, they will investigate the incident and review all available evidence to determine whether you have grounds for a civil lawsuit. This may include video recordings of the interaction or arrest, witness statements, and police reports of any actions that crossed the line into police brutality. You may also wish to keep records of medical bills and expenses incurred as a result of the incident, as these can be included in your claim for damages.
Physical Injuries: Brutality and abuse by the police can cause a wide range of physical injuries, including broken bones from excessive force and soft tissue damage from being manhandled during an arrest. In extreme cases, police brutality and misconduct may even lead to death, either through lethal force or aggravated pre-existing health conditions.
Emotional Distress: In addition to physical scars, the psychological impact of an experience with police brutality can last a lifetime, disrupting relationships and negatively affecting daily life. The emotional distress from an encounter with the police can also interfere with your mental and emotional health, potentially leading to addiction and even depression.
The process of pursuing a police brutality case can be lengthy and complex, so it is important to take quick action to ensure your rights are protected. If you believe a member of the NYPD or another police force has violated your civil rights, contact an experienced New York police brutality lawyer at once to schedule a consultation. A successful claim against an individual officer or the police department as a whole can award you compensation for economic damages, including lost wages and loss of future earning potential. The legal fees you incur to pursue your case may also be included in your claim for damages.