Those who join law enforcement take an oath to serve and protect the public. The police swear to maintain integrity, honor, and ethics in communities. Unfortunately, since the creation of law enforcement, officers have abused this power. Police officers betray the public’s trust when they use excessive force. Police brutality has affected the lives of many nationwide and across the globe. People have suffered devastating injuries and even died because of police misconduct.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals who endured police misconduct.
Police misconduct happens when police officers engage in illegal or unethical actions that violate the rights of individuals. Members of law enforcement may quickly resort to unnecessary violence before exhausting other options. Or police officers may target people based on their race or identity. Over the past decade, at least 85,000 police officers have been investigated and disciplined for misconduct. These public servants were suspected of harassment, planting evidence, and unlawful force, among other offenses. In 2021 alone, police officers killed 1,136 people in the United States. Of these 1,136 incidents, only 12 police officers were charged with a crime. Examples of police misconduct include:
Civil rights are personal rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution or other federal laws. They are designed to protect individuals from unlawful discrimination and ensure equal opportunity. Key civil rights include the right to public education, freedom of religion, and the right to vote. Through police misconduct, police officers deprive individuals of their civil rights. Police misconduct may violate such civil rights as:
In just the last few years, the American public has witnessed several instances of police misconduct. While police misconduct can affect anyone, many people claim that countless occurrences are racially motivated. In May 2020, the death of George Floyd sparked thousands of demonstrations and racial protests throughout the United States. Video footage showed Floyd pinned by three officers as he repeatedly exclaimed that he could not breathe. Other recent cases of police misconduct include:
In these, and several other cases, police officers violated law enforcement policies. Despite the apparent police misconduct, many juries fail to indict police officers who violate civil rights. While law enforcement members have escaped murder charges, many families have successfully filed civil lawsuits.
Police misconduct has ruined the lives of numerous people. Some victims lose years due to false imprisonment or may suffer permanent injury because of police brutality. Grieving families are left to pick up the pieces of their fractured life after a loved one is killed as a result of police misconduct. Over the last decade, lawsuits that allege police misconduct have cost taxpayers over $3.2 billion. A few examples of high-profile settlement amounts include:
If you or a loved one has experienced police misconduct that violated your civil rights, you may be entitled to a police misconduct lawsuit. A lawsuit against police officers, the city, or the police department, may help you recover compensation for:
We understand that financial compensation does not rectify the injustices of police misconduct. But, our firm believes that police officers who exploit their power should be held accountable. Misusing a position in law enforcement is a serious offense. Too often police officers think they will not face consequences for their actions and are liable to commit police misconduct in the future. We want to assist you in your journey for justice and police reform.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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