New York City Police Brutality Lawyers

Police Brutality Experts with offices in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan & The Bronx

When you or a loved one has experienced police brutality, the emotional and physical toll can be devastating. The very individuals meant to serve and protect have violated your trust and infringed upon your civil rights. You’re not just a victim; you’re a survivor—and you have rights. At The Orlow Firm, we specialize in representing New Yorkers who have been subject to police misconduct. Our team of New York City Police Misconduct Lawyers is here to guide you every step of the way, from initial consultation to the courtroom.

Key Takeaways

• The Orlow Firm is experienced in handling cases of police misconduct in New York City.
• Victims may be compensated for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and more.
• Call (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation

Maximizing Your Case with The Orlow Firm: NYC Police Brutality Lawyers

At The Orlow Firm, we understand the profound impact that police brutality can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. That’s why our team of New York City Police Brutality Lawyers is dedicated to maximizing your case in several critical ways:

Personalized Attention: Each case is unique, and we treat it as such. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’re not just a case number—you’re a human being who deserves justice. Our attorneys work closely with you to understand the specifics of your case and how best to approach it.

In-depth Investigation: Gathering evidence is crucial in any personal injury case, but it’s even more essential in police brutality cases where the perpetrator is a law enforcement official. Our team thoroughly investigates all aspects of your case, from collecting video footage to interviewing witnesses, to build a strong case on your behalf.

Expert Legal Advice: Understanding the complex laws surrounding police brutality in New York City is critical for a successful outcome. Our attorneys are well-versed in federal and state laws that govern the use of force by police and will guide you through the legal maze.

Aggressive Representation: When going up against the resources of the NYPD or other law enforcement agencies, you need a firm that isn’t afraid to fight for you. We aggressively negotiate with opposing parties, and if a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’re prepared to take your case to court.

Financial Resources: Police brutality cases often require expert witnesses, such as medical professionals or former law enforcement officers, to substantiate your claims. We have the financial resources to hire the best experts to strengthen your case.

No Upfront Fees: Financial strains should not prevent you from seeking justice. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.

Multi-Disciplinary Approach: Our team is composed of lawyers with diverse backgrounds in criminal law, civil rights, and personal injury law. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that we can address all aspects of your case comprehensively.

Emotional Support: The emotional toll of experiencing police brutality can be overwhelming. Our team is here not just as your legal representatives but as a supportive partner throughout this difficult journey.

Community Connections: Over the years, we have built strong relationships with community organizations and activists who stand against police brutality. These relationships can add valuable perspective and resources to your case.

Proven Track Record: Our history of successful cases speaks volumes. We’ve secured favorable settlements and verdicts for victims of police misconduct, and we’re prepared to do the same for you.

Call (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation: Don’t wait to take the first step toward obtaining the justice you deserve. Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

At The Orlow Firm, your fight is our fight. Let us help you take back control and secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

Compensation Available to Police Brutality Victims in New York City

In cases of police brutality, the consequences can be far-reaching, affecting not only your physical health but also your emotional well-being and financial stability. As a survivor, you’re entitled to seek compensation for various types of damages. At The Orlow Firm, our experienced New York City Police Brutality Lawyers can guide you in understanding what you may be eligible to receive as part of your compensation.

Economic Damages

Medical Expenses: The cost of immediate medical treatment following an incident of police brutality can be substantial. This can include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and ongoing medical treatments such as physical therapy.

Lost Wages: If you’re unable to work due to injuries sustained during the incident, you can claim compensation for lost income. This includes not only the wages lost while you’re unable to work but also any future earning potential that may be compromised due to long-term injuries.

Legal Fees: The process of pursuing a case against the police department will incur legal costs. These can also be claimed as part of your economic damages.

Property Damage: In some instances, police brutality cases may also include damage to your personal property, such as your car or home. You can claim compensation for the cost of repairs or the value of the property lost.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional suffering you may experience following the incident. While this is hard to quantify, it’s a crucial part of the overall compensation you may receive.

Emotional Distress: Experiencing police brutality can lead to severe emotional and psychological trauma, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

Loss of Consortium: Police brutality can strain familial relationships. Loss of consortium refers to the impact of the event on your relationship with your spouse or family members, including the loss of companionship, affection, and support.

Reputational Damage: False arrests or accusations associated with the incident can tarnish your reputation. Though harder to quantify, you may be entitled to compensation for damage to your reputation.

Violation of Civil Rights: Experiencing police brutality is a violation of your civil rights. While not a form of financial compensation, holding the offending officers and the police department accountable can serve as a form of moral or ethical compensation.

Punitive Damages: In some extreme cases, punitive damages may be awarded as a form of punishment to the offending officers or the police department to deter future misconduct.

Call (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation: It’s critical to consult with experienced legal professionals to ensure you receive the full range of compensation you’re entitled to. Reach out to us today to discuss the specifics of your case and how we can help you achieve justice.

Who is Legally Liable in NYC Police Brutality Cases?

Determining legal responsibility in cases of police brutality can be complex and may involve multiple parties. At The Orlow Firm, our New York City Police Brutality Lawyers are experienced in navigating these complexities to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

Individual Police Officers

The most direct perpetrators of police brutality are the individual officers involved in the incident. These officers can be held personally liable for their actions, which may include excessive use of force, false arrest, or other violations of your constitutional rights.

Police Department and Municipality

In some cases, the police department itself or the broader municipality can also be held liable. This is particularly true when there is a demonstrated pattern of misconduct within the department, inadequate training, or if the department failed to take appropriate action after becoming aware of a history of abuse by an individual officer.

Supervisors and Commanding Officers

High-ranking officers or supervisors may also be held accountable if it’s proven that they were aware of the misconduct and failed to take corrective action, or if their negligence in training and supervising staff contributed to the incident.

Federal Agencies

In rare cases involving federal law enforcement officers, federal agencies may be held responsible. Similar to local police departments, liability can be established if there is evidence of systemic issues within the agency that contributed to the incident.

Private Security Firms

While less common, police brutality claims can sometimes involve private security firms, particularly if the incident occurred on private property or involved contracted security personnel acting in a law enforcement capacity.

Other Parties

In some situations, other parties could be partially responsible for the act of police brutality. For example, if the incident occurred during a protest, event organizers might bear some liability if they failed to provide adequate security measures, creating an environment where police brutality could occur.

Joint Liability

In some instances, multiple parties may be found jointly liable. For example, both the individual officer and the police department may be held responsible if it is found that the officer acted recklessly and the department was negligent in their training and supervision.

Call (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation: Identifying and proving who is legally responsible in cases of police brutality is a complicated task that requires expert legal assistance. Contact us today to discuss your case and find out how we can help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

Common Types of Injuries in New York Police Brutality Cases

The impact of police brutality can manifest in a variety of injuries, both physical and psychological. Understanding the range of injuries you may have sustained is crucial when seeking justice and compensation. Our experienced New York City Police Brutality Lawyers at The Orlow Firm are well-versed in identifying and proving the extent of injuries in these complex cases.

Physical Injuries

Fractures and Broken Bones: Excessive force can lead to broken bones and fractures, often requiring immediate medical attention and long-term care.

Soft Tissue Injuries: This includes sprains, strains, and bruises that can occur from being struck by police equipment or manhandled during an arrest.

Gunshot Wounds: Instances where firearms are used unjustly can result in severe and sometimes life-threatening injuries.

Taser Injuries: The use of Tasers can cause burns, cardiac arrhythmia, and sometimes even death.

Head and Brain Injuries: Excessive force can lead to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI), affecting cognitive function and quality of life.

Spinal Cord Injuries: These can range from minor sprains to paralysis, depending on the force applied during the incident.

Lacerations and Abrasions: Sharp objects or blunt force can cause skin breaks and other wounds that may require stitches and can lead to scarring.

Psychological Injuries

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The emotional toll of experiencing police brutality can lead to PTSD, requiring long-term psychological treatment.

Depression and Anxiety: The incident and the ensuing legal battle can trigger or exacerbate depression and anxiety disorders.

Emotional Distress: The emotional and psychological scars may last well beyond the physical healing process, affecting relationships and daily life.

Other Health Impacts

Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: The stress and physical force involved in an incident of police brutality can exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions, leading to a decline in your overall health.

Fatal Injuries: In extreme cases, police brutality can result in loss of life, either directly due to the use of lethal force or indirectly due to aggravated health conditions.

Call (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been a victim of police brutality, it’s crucial to get a comprehensive medical evaluation to identify the full scope of your injuries. Contact us today to discuss your case and how we can assist you in obtaining justice and the compensation you deserve.

Common Scenarios Leading to Police Brutality in New York City

Police brutality is a serious issue that can manifest in different situations and environments. The types of incidents where brutality occurs can vary widely, making it important for victims to understand the various circumstances that may involve such misconduct. At The Orlow Firm, our experienced New York City Police Brutality Lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of these different types of incidents.

During Arrests

Excessive Force During Arrest: One of the most common settings where police brutality occurs is during an arrest, where excessive force is used to subdue a suspect, sometimes leading to severe injuries or even death.

False Arrest: In some instances, police may detain individuals without just cause, subjecting them to unnecessary physical and emotional distress.

Traffic Stops

Unlawful Searches: During traffic stops, officers may conduct unlawful searches of the vehicle or person, sometimes using excessive force.

Unjustified Shootings: In extreme cases, traffic stops can escalate to the point where officers use lethal force without justification.

Protests and Demonstrations

Use of Non-lethal Weapons: Officers may employ excessive force through the use of rubber bullets, tear gas, or batons on peaceful protestors.

Mass Arrests: During protests, the police may engage in mass arrests, detaining individuals indiscriminately and subjecting them to unnecessary force.

Custodial Interrogations

Physical Abuse: While in custody, individuals may be subjected to physical abuse, including beatings or the use of torture techniques.

Psychological Manipulation: Though subtler, psychological abuse during interrogations can be a form of police brutality.

Domestic Incidents

Failure to Intervene: Police may be called to domestic incidents and choose not to intervene effectively, subjecting individuals to further harm.

Raids

Unjustified Raids: SWAT raids conducted without proper justification can result in excessive property damage, physical injuries, and psychological trauma.

Public Interactions

Random Stops and Searches: Sometimes referred to as “stop and frisk,” these incidents can escalate into cases of police brutality if excessive force is used.

Harassment: Verbal abuse or physical intimidation during casual public interactions can also be a form of police brutality.

Call (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation: If you’ve been a victim of police brutality, it’s essential to identify the context in which the misconduct occurred. This will be a crucial factor in your case. Contact us today to discuss the specifics and how we can help you seek justice.

Relevant Laws Governing Police Brutality in NYC

Understanding the legal framework surrounding police brutality is crucial for pursuing justice effectively. At The Orlow Firm, our New York City Police Brutality Lawyers are experts in navigating these laws to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Federal Civil Rights Laws

Section 1983: This federal statute allows victims of police brutality to sue for civil rights violations, including excessive use of force and false arrest.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal financial assistance, including police departments.

New York State Laws

New York Civil Rights Law Section 12: Provides a framework for New York residents to pursue civil cases against police officers who deprive them of their rights, privileges, or immunities.

New York State Human Rights Law: This state law can be utilized if the police brutality incident involves discrimination based on factors like race, gender, or other protected classes.

Police Accountability Laws

Qualified Immunity: A federal doctrine that can protect government officials, including police officers, from civil suits, but exceptions are made for violations of clearly established constitutional or statutory rights.

Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB): Specific to New York City, this independent agency is empowered to receive, investigate, and make findings on complaints against NYPD officers.

Use of Force Policies

NYPD Patrol Guide: This document outlines the use-of-force guidelines NYPD officers are required to follow. Non-compliance can be evidence of police misconduct.

Discrimination Laws

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): If the victim has a disability, the ADA could provide additional protections against discrimination and excessive use of force.

Privacy Laws

Fourth Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, offering legal grounds for cases involving unlawful searches or false arrest.

HIPAA: Although not directly related to police brutality, violations of medical privacy during the case process may also be grounds for legal action.

Call (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation: Navigating the labyrinth of laws relevant to police brutality can be overwhelming. Contact us today to discuss your case and let our expert team guide you through the legal landscape to secure justice and fair compensation.

Statute of Limitations for Police Brutality Cases in New York

Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial when considering legal action for a police brutality case. Time is of the essence, and delays can jeopardize your chance of obtaining justice and compensation. At The Orlow Firm, our New York City Police Brutality Lawyers can guide you through the timing intricacies related to your case.

Federal Civil Rights Claims

Section 1983 Claims: The statute of limitations for bringing a federal civil rights claim under Section 1983 is generally tied to the state’s personal injury statute of limitations. In New York, this is typically three years from the date of the incident.

New York State Claims

Personal Injury: For claims filed under New York state law, you generally have three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: The window for these types of claims is one year from the date of the incident.

Wrongful Death: If police brutality led to a fatality, the family has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Notice of Claim

Against New York City: If your case is against the New York City Police Department, a Notice of Claim must generally be filed within 90 days of the incident. This is a prerequisite for filing a lawsuit and starts the clock for a shorter one-year-and-90-day deadline to initiate the lawsuit.

Exceptions

Tolling for Minors: If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations usually does not start running until the minor turns 18.

Disability: If the victim was mentally or physically incapable of bringing a claim, the statute might be extended, but there are limitations to this rule.

Discovery Rule: In some cases, the clock starts ticking when the victim discovers (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury, rather than the date of the incident. This is less commonly applicable in police brutality cases but can be relevant in some circumstances.

Call (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation: Navigating the statute of limitations can be complex and missing the deadline can result in losing your chance for justice and compensation. Contact us today to discuss the specifics of your case and ensure that you act within the appropriate time frame.

Prevention Methods to Avoid Police Brutality in New York City

While police brutality is a systemic issue that requires multi-faceted solutions, there are some steps that individuals can take to minimize their risk of becoming victims. At The Orlow Firm, our New York City Police Brutality Lawyers offer some prevention methods that can be helpful, though it’s important to note that none of these are foolproof ways to prevent misconduct by law enforcement.

Know Your Rights

Understanding Constitutional Protections: Being aware of your Fourth Amendment rights against unlawful searches and seizures can guide you during interactions with police.

Right to Remain Silent: Exercise your Fifth Amendment rights and remain silent when questioned by police, as anything you say can be used against you.

Record Interactions

Use of Cellphones: If it’s safe to do so, recording your interactions with police can provide crucial evidence in a potential police brutality case.

Compliance and De-escalation

Follow Orders: Comply with lawful orders from police officers. Refusing to do so can escalate a situation, though compliance is not a guarantee against police misconduct.

Avoid Sudden Movements: Keep your hands visible and avoid making any sudden movements that could be misconstrued as a threat.

Public Settings

Stay in Well-lit Areas: If possible, remain in well-lit areas where there are witnesses when interacting with law enforcement.

Call for Witnesses: If an interaction appears to be escalating, call for witnesses to observe, provided it’s safe to do so.

Use Community Resources

Know Emergency Contacts: Have a list of emergency contacts and legal resources, such as The Orlow Firm, readily available.

Community Programs: Participate in or organize community programs aimed at improving police-community relations. These can serve as platforms for accountability and change.

File Complaints

Report Misconduct: Filing a complaint against any misconduct witnessed or experienced can help hold law enforcement accountable.

Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB): Use mechanisms like New York City’s CCRB to file reports against NYPD officers for misconduct.

Call (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation: Prevention is just one aspect of the larger issue at hand, and while these methods may reduce risk, they cannot entirely eliminate the possibility of experiencing police brutality. If you or a loved one has been a victim, contact us today for a comprehensive evaluation of your case.

Additional Resources for Survivors of Police Brutality in NYC

Below are some valuable resources for further information and support related to police brutality. Note that while these sources can provide useful insights, they are not a substitute for legal counsel. For expert advice tailored to your situation, Call (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation.

1. U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division: This federal agency oversees civil rights issues, including police misconduct.
Visit U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division

2. NYPD Patrol Guide: An essential resource for understanding the regulations and guidelines NYPD officers should be following.
Visit NYPD Patrol Guide

3. Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB): An independent New York City agency where you can report misconduct by NYPD officers.
Visit CCRB

4. Campaign Zero: This organization provides research and data-driven solutions aimed at ending police violence.
Visit Campaign Zero

5. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New York: ACLU often publishes reports and studies about civil rights violations, including police brutality.
Visit ACLU of New York

6. Center for Policing Equity: Provides research and statistical analyses aimed at identifying ways to reduce police violence.
Visit Center for Policing Equity

7. Mapping Police Violence: An extensive database that collates incidents of police violence from around the country.
Visit Mapping Police Violence

8. Human Rights Watch – United States: Offers investigative reports into human rights abuses, including those committed by law enforcement.
Visit Human Rights Watch – United States

9. Witness: Provides tools and advice for safely and effectively filming police misconduct.
Visit Witness

10. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights: A coalition that promotes and protects civil and human rights, including addressing police misconduct.
Visit The Leadership Conference

Call (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation: For professional guidance on how these resources relate to your specific case, reach out to The Orlow Firm today.

Why Choose The Orlow Firm?