New York City Police Brutality Lawyer

New York City Police Brutality Lawyer When a person faces the distressing reality of police brutality in New York City, NY, it’s essential that their rights be fiercely protected. At our law firm, our New York City police brutality attorneys fully understand the devastating impact such encounters can have on individuals, their families, and communities as a whole. Nobody should have to endure mistreatment from those entrusted to serve and protect them.

If you or a loved one has experienced police misconduct in New York City, New York, contact the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a New York City police brutality lawyer. Give us a call at (212) 564 2800.

How the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help if You’re a Victim of Police Brutality in New York City

How the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help if You’re a Victim of Police Brutality in New York City If you’ve fallen victim to police brutality in New York City, NY, our New York City personal injury lawyers can help support your journey toward justice.

Here’s what we can do for you:

  • We will extensively review the circumstances of your incident and obtain all available evidence, including incident reports, witness testimony, medical records, bodycam footage, and anything else that is relevant to substantiate claims made against law enforcement.
  • We will negotiate with defendants and their legal teams on your behalf to ensure you’re fairly compensated for the mistreatment that occurred.
  • If necessary, we will represent you during court proceedings if a suitable settlement can’t be reached.

If you’ve experienced police brutality in New York City, New York, you deserve justice. You can also hire an attorney on a contingency fee basis without paying upfront costs. Contact the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a New York City police brutality lawyer.

How Common is Police Brutality in New York City, New York?

Police brutality in New York, as in many parts of the United States, remains a pressing issue, with various statistics highlighting its prevalence and consequences:

  • Across the U.S., law enforcement officers cause an estimated 250,000 civilian injuries annually.
  • In 2023, more than 1,200 killings by police were recorded across the United States. A substantial number of these incidents began with responses to suspected non-violent offenses or situations where no crime was reported.
  • Specifically, 109 individuals were killed following stops for a traffic violation.
  • The NYPD reported fatally shooting 13 people in 2022. This marks the highest number of people killed by New York City police since 2012.

These points paint a stark picture of the state of police brutality in New York.

What Is a Police Brutality Case Worth?

The value of a police brutality case can differ quite a bit depending on the circumstances, and there are numerous factors that must be considered when determining potential compensation amounts.

Common variables include:

  • The nature and severity of the police misconduct
  • The extent of your injuries
  • Whether you suffered permanent damage
  • Medical treatment and lost wages
  • The impact on your life and your family’s life
  • How willing the city is to avoid making the incident public (or more public)

With New York City paying out over $500 million in settlements for police brutality cases in the past six years – including almost $115 million in 2023 – it’s clear that these matters need to be addressed.

What Kind of Damages Are Available to Police Brutality Victims?

Victims of police brutality in New York City may be eligible to seek financial compensation. This usually includes a few different categories of damages:

Economic Damages

These cover quantifiable losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, property damage, physical therapy, and reduced earning potential.

Non-Economic Damages

These are the more subjective consequences a survivor might endure – pain and suffering for ongoing physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement caused by scars from injuries.

Punitive Damages

In some instances, judges may award punitive damages, which are meant to be a punishment in cases where there’s clear and convincing evidence the defendant acted with malice, wanton disregard, or a level of recklessness bordering on criminal behavior.

Wrongful Death

If a loved one is tragically killed due to police brutality, wrongful death damages can be sought by the surviving family members.

Determining the full extent of damages in a police brutality case can be complex, but working with an experienced personal injury attorney will simplify this process and give you peace of mind as you pursue justice.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Police Brutality Injuries

Police brutality cases can result in a wide range of physical and psychological injuries to the victims.

Commonly reported injuries include:

If you’ve sustained any of these types of injuries after an encounter with law enforcement, reach out for help today.

What Causes Most Police Brutality Incidents in New York City, New York?

Most police brutality incidents in New York City, NY, stem from the excessive or unreasonable use of force by law enforcement officers. This is often committed by using firearms, batons, chokeholds, tear gas, kicks and punches, and more.

The root causes that contribute to these tragic encounters may include:

Lack of Adequate Training

When police officers don’t receive proper training or ongoing education, it can lead to issues concerning when and how much force is necessary; inadequate training may stem from over-simplified use-of-force guidelines or from a failure to focus on de-escalation tactics.

Implicit Bias and Racial Profiling

Underlying prejudices and stereotypes held by officers can result in discriminatory practices reflected through violent actions, which disproportionately impact minority populations.

Lack of Accountability for Police Officers

The absence of systematic accountability within police departments emboldens some officers to commit unlawful acts of violence. These officers act knowing that there are not likely to be severe – or sometimes any – consequences, both from within the department or from the judicial system.

Poor Community Engagement

A disconnect between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve can lead to misunderstandings and mistrust, potentially escalating situations unnecessarily.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of police brutality in New York City, understanding the underlying causes becomes a part of building your case.

How Do I Prove a Police Brutality Case in New York?

Proving a police brutality case in New York requires a nuanced understanding of both state and federal laws. Victims of police misconduct may consider two primary options: filing a personal injury lawsuit to seek damages for the harm sufferer or filing a claim under federal law, specifically 42 U.S.C. §1983. This may be successful if they can demonstrate that their civil rights were violated by an officer acting under the color of law.

This means showing that the officer while performing their official duties, deprived the victim of rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

No matter which route you go, you will need to gather significant evidence to prove your case, which most often includes:

  • Witness statements
  • Video footage
  • Photographic evidence
  • Medical reports
  • Police records
  • Bodycam footage

To prove police brutality in New York, you’ll need credible and reliable evidence, which an attorney can help you obtain.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Police Brutality Incident in New York?

In New York City, if you are the victim of police brutality committed by an NYPD officer, time is a crucial factor. You have one year and 90 days from the occurrence of the incident to bring a personal injury lawsuit for damages related to the assault.

If you’re filing a lawsuit under Section 1983 regarding a deprivation of your civil rights, you will have three years to file your claim.

Understanding and meeting these specific deadlines ensures your suit can proceed without dismissal due to timing issues. Always reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible after the incident occurs.

Contact Our New York City Police Brutality Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has experienced police brutality in New York City, NY, our lawyers are equipped to handle your case with the respect and dedication it deserves. Reach out to the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers today and allow us to help defend your rights during this difficult time. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a New York City police brutality lawyer.

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New York City Office 

450 7th Ave Suite 1605
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564 2800

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury-New York City Office

 

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26 Court St., Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury - Brooklyn Office

 

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