Police Brutality

Police brutality also called Police misconduct, is a term used to describe any excessive and unnecessary physical force, assault, or verbal abuse used by law enforcement when dealing with the public.

The United States code, the laws that govern the day to day running of our country, states that any person working under the authority of a state law enforcement body who violates the civil rights of anyone in the United States is liable to pay for any damages they cause. 

There are some widely known cases of police misconduct, but there are thousands more that never receive any attention.

When a police officer abuses his or her authority and inflicts undue suffering on a person, it is an affront to not only the victim but to society as a whole. The people we depend upon to protect us from criminal aggressors should never become the aggressors themselves.

Your rights to be compensated for Police Misconduct:

If a person acting under color of state law, such as a police officer, violates your civil rights as guaranteed by the Constitution or laws of the United States, he/she may be liable and required to pay you damages.

What you should do to protect your right to compensation:

◊ Write down as much as you can about the incident and the events
   surrounding the incident;   

◊ Write down the names (and/or “badge numbers”) of the officers that were
   present;   

◊ Write down the names, addresses and phone numbers of all witnesses and 
   contact information;   

◊ Keep a daily diary of how you are feeling physically and emotionally;   

◊ Make notes of everything that happened following the incident including any
  further harassing remarks or behavior by the police officer(s);   

◊ Preserve any physical evidence you have and take pictures if appropriate;   

◊ Keep track of any actual losses as a result of the injury e.g. time lost from 
  work, costs paid out and/or bills for: ambulance, hospital, doctors, physical
  therapists, prescriptions, homecare, etc.; and   

◊ Do not make any statements or say anything without talking to us first. 

The Law Firm of McDermott & McDermott has a long history of successfully taking on police departments and other establishments that are in positions of authority and have abused that authority.

You need a lawyer who handles police brutality to adequately analyze all the intricacies involved and protect your rights to be fully compensated for your damages.

Do not make any type of statement
or sign any papers without first consulting with us

Anything said or signed can be used against you and may prevent you from receiving compensation that you may have otherwise been able to receive.

Contact Us if you have been injured. It is important that you act promptly as certain statutes of limitations apply and you can lose your rights to be compensated.

The initial review of your case and the consultation is free. We look forward to working with you and we know you will be pleased with our services.

See Police Brutality FAQs for more information.

We don’t just provide legal services;

We build relationships.

It gives us a genuine satisfaction to meet and help you in some meaningful way.

The entire staff of the McDermott and McDermott Law Firm is knowledgeable and sensitive to your needs. Their focus is on making the process as comfortable as possible.

  ◊ They explain everything to you,
  ◊ keep you informed,
  ◊ include you in the decision making process,
  ◊ and always return your phone calls.

Your matter is handled as expeditiously as possible without compromising your rights.

Check our Resources area, there you will find links to many helpful services.