With police brutality and the use of excessive force becoming more common each year, it’s important to understand your rights and what to do should you ever become victim to this. Read on to discover how to navigate the traumatic experience and to understand your legal options. If you or someone you know has been a victim of excessive force, an experienced police brutality lawyer can help you.
Seek medical attention.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, it may be necessary for you to seek medical treatment. By law, police officers must ensure the safety of each person in their custody. If an officer denies you medical care, they could be held liable for cruel and unusual punishment.
If the police officer(s) failed to facilitate first aid or care, contact 911 immediately. Or, have someone you trust bring you to an ER or medical facility. Not only will this step allow you to recover physically, but it will also help to document your injuries and treatment should you choose to pursue legal action against law enforcement.
Document the incident.
While experiencing brutality at the hands of a police officer is traumatic and stressful, it is in your best interest to collect the following information after the incident:
- The police officer’s name and badge number
- The name of the employing police department
- The names and badge numbers of any witnesses or accomplices
- Witness information and testimony
- The location, date and time of the incident
- Photos of your injuries
Contact An Attorney
Contact Ronemus & Vilensky so they can call New York’s district court to request to file a criminal complaint against the offending officer(s) for you. Since it is challenging to convict a police officer of this crime, it’s imperative that you contact an NYC police brutality attorney immediately. Your attorney will help you gather evidence and file a formal request to obtain the video surveillance, dashboard or body cam evidence of the scene to help your case. Doing so can legally prevent them from destroying the evidence.
Pursue a lawsuit.
Each case is different, but in general, there are several potential areas of compensation that can be awarded to a police brutality victim, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of income
Contact an NYC Police Brutality Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been a victim of police brutality, contact us to ensure your legal rights are protected. You might be entitled to compensation for both physical and mental injuries, which is why you need an experienced attorney in your corner. Our harassment and discrimination lawyers have years of experience needed to help you weigh your legal options and the determine the most effective course of action. Call us today for a free consultation.
