Dealing with police brutality is traumatic. Victims must understand their rights after such an incident. Many people think that when an officer does something wrong, the only consequence they will face is criminal charges. However, if you are a victim of police misconduct, you have another option: you can file a civil lawsuit. This allows you to seek money for damages and get justice through the civil courts. Our Southfield police brutality lawyer could guide you through the process of filing a civil rights lawsuit. Experience gets results—at Thurswell Law, our experienced attorneys could help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a case.
What Is Police Brutality?
Police brutality usually means a police officer used more force than was necessary. In other words, the officer went beyond what was needed to do their job properly. This is often called excessive force. For example, an officer might hit someone too hard or too many times with a baton. They might use a taser or a gun when it is not needed. Police brutality can also happen if an officer uses force during a situation when the person is calm and not resisting.
Under 42 U.S.C. 1983, a victim of police misconduct can file a civil rights lawsuit against the officers or even the police department. Michigan’s constitution also provides additional protections for citizens. These legal avenues allow victims to seek justice through the courts. With help from our lawyers, a Southfield victim can try to prove that their rights were violated in a police brutality case.
Building a Strong Police Brutality Case
To win a Southfield police brutality case, our lawyers could help a person show that the police violated their constitutional rights. This can be difficult because police officers often have qualified immunity. Qualified immunity is a rule that protects officers from being sued except if the officer clearly broke the law.
Legal Process for a Police Misconduct Claim
A victim who wants to file a civil rights lawsuit for police misconduct should understand the legal process and the possible challenges. Police misconduct claims can be difficult to win, and they have strict deadlines. The Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805 provides three years to file a personal injury or civil rights claim. This three-year time limit means the lawsuit must be started within three years of the incident. If a person waits too long and this deadline passes, they could lose the chance to bring the case to court.
The law also affects how much compensation a victim might receive. The amount can depend on the nature of the injuries and the details of what happened. Our Southfield lawyer could help a person understand these complicated police brutality rules. Our lawyers will also make sure that the victim seeks fair and just compensation for the harm they experienced.
Contact Our Southfield Attorney To Discuss Your Police Misconduct Case
Dealing with police brutality can be devastating. If you or a loved one is a victim of police brutality, it is important to act as soon as possible. Having our Southfield police brutality lawyers on your side fighting for justice can ease your stress. Your attorney could help by explaining your legal rights and what avenues are available to pursue compensation. While holding the officer responsible will not undo the harm they caused you, it could hold them accountable for what they did and prevent them from hurting others in the future. It also brings awareness to the inappropriate actions of the department.
Working with our lawyers helps you tell your side of the story and gives you a fair chance in court, where you can seek compensation to cover medical bills, emotional distress, and other losses. Getting legal help as soon as possible can advance your case by bringing awareness to the issue, preserving evidence, and giving you plenty of time to file your claim. At Thurswell Law, we do not charge a fee until we win—call us today at (248) 460-9865 to discuss your case.
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