Police Brutality & Wrongful Death Lawyers in New York City

Our Attorneys Represent Victims of Unjust Police Treatment

Every citizen has the right to be free from unlawful search and seizure and from excessive use of force by the police. Unfortunately, police sometimes fail to act within the confines of the law and may engage in illegal behavior.

Call today at (212) 577-9325 for your free consultation.

Police brutality can take several forms, including false arrest, false imprisonment, or use of excessive force. No matter what form it takes, it is wrong and the individuals who are harmed by it may be able to take legal action to protect their rights.

Wrongful acts on the part of police officers can include:

• Making threats of violence
• Engaging in physical violence
• Using abusive, profane or racist language
• Unreasonable and unlawful field stops and searches
• Approaching with a drawn firearm without justification or cause
• Arrest without legal justification or probable cause

When the police engage in these acts, physical and emotional harm may result, and in some cases, wrongful death. You don’t have to simply accept what the police have done. You can pursue a civil rights claim under Section 1983, which gives you a federal cause of action against the police. You can also take legal action and file a lawsuit under state laws precluding police brutality and wrongful death.

Taking Action for Victims of Police Brutality in New York

Police brutality cases have many complications. First and foremost, police officers and local police departments have limited protections from lawsuits because of their role as government employees and agencies. These protections are found under sovereign immunity rules. While sovereign immunity rules don’t prevent you from suing, they do impose special time limits and requirements. A New York City police brutality attorney can work to help you sort through this.

Proving a police brutality case can also be complicated when wrongful death is involved. Judges and juries may be predisposed to believing members of law enforcement, so it’s vital to get help from a police brutality lawyer in New York to make a strong and compelling case. Our lawyers are known for their understanding and ability to make your voice heard, no matter what the circumstances may be.

Finally, it is difficult to determine how much you should be entitled to in compensation for police brutality cases tied to wrongful death. While any actual financial losses, such as medical costs prior to the death and loss of financial support should be covered in full, you may also have the right to compensation for non-economic losses such as those for pain and suffering and loss of companionship. We can help you determine what is an appropriate amount if you settle, or can help prove the extent of your damages if your case goes to court.