While “civil rights violations” may mean different things to different people, to us, it’s when government officials overstep their bounds when interacting with citizens. At Madia Law, we advocate for the protection of civil rights in St. Paul and beyond. Our St. Paul civil rights lawyers are committed to holding the government accountable for illegal actions.
We address a range of civil rights issues, including police shootings, police beatings, wrongful use of tasers, wrongful arrest and search claims, and discrimination in public accommodations. If you think you may have a civil rights case, we want to hear your story.
Find out how we can help you by reaching out to us for a free consultation.
Advocating for Victims of Police Brutality
The majority of police officers carry out their duties with courage and dedication, but unfortunately, some officers abuse their authority. Such abuses include unwarranted beatings, macing, tasing, or even fatal incidents. These actions aren’t right, and the law prohibits the use of excessive force.
Our democratic society relies on courageous individuals standing up for their constitutional rights. If you or a loved one is a victim of police brutality, federal law and the U.S. Constitution are on your side.
The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution outlaws unreasonable searches and seizures, encompassing the use of excessive force. Additionally, a federal statute, 42 U.S.C. 1983, prohibits the violation of constitutional rights by individuals acting under the color of law, including law enforcement officers.
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Representing Victims of Police Shootings
If you tragically lost a family member due to a police shooting, our hearts go out to you during this painful time. While no legal action can ever erase your pain, we want you to understand that you are entitled to protection under the U.S. Constitution.
If officers wrongfully shot your loved one, you may have grounds for legal recourse under 42 U.S.C. 1983. This statute empowers citizens to file lawsuits against the government for civil rights violations.
In many cases, officers may assert the defense of “qualified immunity” concerning their actions. To overcome this defense, you or your attorney must demonstrate more than mere negligence or poor job performance by officers. Instead, you must establish that officers knowingly violated established constitutional rights.
In cases involving shootings, this typically requires demonstrating that officers were aware they were confronting someone who posed no threat to themselves or others. For instance, if officers knew that a suspect was unarmed, handcuffed, or otherwise non-threatening but still used lethal force, their claim of qualified immunity would be weakened.
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Pursuing Damages in St. Paul Civil Rights Cases
People may be eligible for a variety of damages when they suffer harm at the hands of law enforcement or other public officials. This compensation helps address the physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents can cause.
Police brutality survivors may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Attorney fees and costs
Please note that every case is unique, and the damages you can recover will vary depending on the circumstances.
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Frequently Asked Questions We Get as St. Paul Civil Rights Lawyers
What Is the Statute of Limitations to Bring a Claim for Violation of My Constitutional Rights?
The timeframe for bringing a claim for a violation of your constitutional rights can vary depending on the circumstances. However, in the state of Minnesota, the general statute of limitations for such claims is six years, per Minnesota Statutes Section 541.05.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been the Victim of Police Brutality?
When a police officer hurts you, document everything promptly. Record a detailed account of the incident while it remains fresh in your memory. Obtain the police report, and if you received medical treatment due to injuries from police misconduct, secure the hospital records.
Photograph any injuries and maintain a list of witnesses along with their contact information. Contact the police department in writing or via email, letting them know you were a victim of police brutality and requesting the preservation of any incident-related video evidence.
Who Can Sue After a Police Shooting?
A trustee may file a lawsuit on behalf of the next of kin if the police have fatally shot a member of your family. The trustee may be a family member, and a statutory process exists to appoint the next of kin as the trustee.
The trustee presents a proposed distribution of funds among the next of kin, with the court making the final determination about who gets what.
How Much Is My Civil Rights Violation Case Worth?
The value of your civil rights violation case depends on certain key factors. First, proving liability is crucial. Can it be demonstrated that police officers violated the law? Are there witnesses or evidence to support this claim?
The extent of the damages you suffered also affects the compensation amount. Fortunately, both federal and state laws allow for compensation covering pain and suffering, emotional distress, wage loss, and other damages.
Your compensation can also depend on your risk tolerance. That means that if you’re willing to take your case to trial, you may walk away with more money. As experienced trial lawyers, we are always prepared to go the distance in your case. In fact, other lawyers often hire us shortly before trial to represent their clients in court.
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Free Consultation With Madia Law
Remember, time is of the essence when pursuing a civil rights violation claim. Waiting may result in a legal deadline preventing you from filing your claim. We believe that safeguarding the integrity of civil rights is essential for preserving our democratic society and want to hear about your case.
Our civil rights lawyers in St. Paul represent victims of excessive force and other civil rights violations throughout the Twin Cities and across greater Minnesota. In some instances, we extend our services to clients in other states through collaborative efforts with local counsel. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call 612-349-2729 or complete a Case Evaluation form
