Police Brutality Lawyers-Excessive Force Injuries
When Police excessive force injuries result in serious injury, victims can sustain tremendous losses. Victims often incur significant medical expenses and lose income due to not being able to work. In addition, people who are hurt by police brutality often experience substantial physical and emotional pain and suffering. Fortunately, the laws allow victims to recover compensation for these and other losses that they may experience as a result of a preventable personal injury. Our Police Brutality Lawyers at the Strom Law Firm are familiar with litigating South Carolina personal injury cases can often help police brutality victims recover substantially more compensation than they would be able to retain on their own, so it is highly advisable for anyone injured in an accident to discuss their options with an experienced Police Brutality Lawyers like Bakari Sellars.
The physical, emotional, and financial consequences of police brutality can be severe. Medical bills can add up quickly. If you or a loved one were involved in an altercation with law enforcement and believe that the police officer used excessive force to subdue or arrest you, you may have a claim for compensation for your injuries. Give us a call today for a free consultation.
Situations which may give rise to police brutality or excessive force case include:
- Excessive use of force
- False arrest
Bakari Sellars Civil Rights Attorney - False imprisonment
- Wrongful shootings
- Wrongful choking
- Searches without warrants
- Taser injuries
- High-speed police car chases
- Improper policing activities
- Sexual abuse by police
- Sexual abuse in jail
- Assault by a jail guard
- Failure to provide medical care in jail
- Wrongful Death
Police are legally allowed to control a situation using the minimal amount of force required, but police brutality involving bodily harm to citizens or inmates is unacceptable and should be reported immediately. Likewise, if officers do not uphold an individual’s civil rights, they are in violation of the law. If you have been the victim of police brutality, contact Bakari Sellars or one of the Police Brutality Lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, as soon as possible.
What if an officer of the law denies you your constitutional rights or is physically aggressive with you, comply with their requests as best as possible. To protect yourself, request restraint and say nothing more. Do not be aggressive in response or give the officer or guard any indication of non-cooperation, as it may be used against you should you decide to pursue legal action. Do your best to remain calm until the ordeal is over. As soon as you are able, contact a lawyer. Traffic stops or any other forms of non-aggravated police contact do not generally warrant the use of physical force. However, in the instance of arrest, detention, or as the result of a pursuit, officers will often use excessive force to show dominance. This is illegal and should be reported. Additionally, if you are subject to racial profiling, sexual misconduct by an officer, or bodily harm, our lawyers will provide you with your best legal solutions. If you or someone you know has been injured in a police brutality case, contact the firm today for a free consultation. 803-252-4800 No recovery, no fee.
Police brutality can take many different forms, including:
- Unnecessary physical violence
- Unnecessary and degrading strip searches
- Sexual assault
- Coercion or blackmail
- Racial profiling
In situations where excessive force was used, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Situations in which death occurs, may give rise to a wrongful death claim.
What To Do After Being Victimized, Contact a Police Brutality Lawyer
Police brutality cases can be extremely complex. Many victims are injured, then go straight to jail. If you can, immediately after your incident:
- Document everything about your injuries. Take photos
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Get the names of any witnesses
- Speak to an experienced Police Brutality Lawyer right away
Police Brutality Claims are Problematic Nationwide
Recent reports of police brutality across the country, sparked by protests in Ferguson, Missouri, highlight a growing problem with excessive force used by officers to subdue potential suspects. South Carolina has been no exception to the growing trend of police brutality and excessive force. Our police brutality lawyers headed by Bakari Sellars
In fact, the Columbia Police Department has employed body cameras since 2012. The purpose of the cameras is not only to provide evidence in criminal or civil trials alleging excessive force used by officers but to protect police officers as well, showing that in some instances, the suspect is violent and the officer took all necessary precautions. However, according to some officers in the CPD, the cameras are not only expensive but complicated to use. They may not film interactions between suspects and officers clearly.
Filing criminal charges against police officers for excessive force can be very difficult. Officers file police reports after each incident, and these can often be written in favor of the officers involved in the excessive force incident. A South Carolina excessive force lawsuit may turn into a battle of “he said, she said.”
Civil lawsuits, including personal injury lawsuits, may provide more solace for a victim of excessive force or police brutality in South Carolina. In too many incidents, the victim has been so severely injured that they have to go to the hospital, which could leave them with huge medical bills. The victim could not only spend unpaid time away from work but could be in a position of losing their job if they have a criminal record after the excessive force incident. If being beaten by a police officer for a misdemeanor offense, or no offense at all, has left you disabled, hospitalized, suffering PTSD, or jobless, you may have a South Carolina excessive force claim. Contact
We Investigate Claims of Excessive Force and Police Brutality On Behalf of Injured Victims
The Strom Law Firm handles civil litigation, including personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits, for victims of violent crimes including excessive force or police brutality. Our Police Brutality Lawyers offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so contact us today for help. 803.252.4800.
We are located in Barrister Hall 6923 N. Trenholm Rd, Columbia SC 29206-1707
Police Brutality Lawyers
