Police Brutality Lawsuit Attorneys in Goldsboro
Demanding Justice for People Across North Carolina
Being a victim of police brutality is an experience that leaves lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars. For people who have suffered harm at the hands of law enforcement, who should have been there to protect and serve them, it’s important to know that justice can still be demanded by taking legal action. At Pittman Agner in Goldsboro, we are dedicated to standing by victims of police brutality and their families, providing both moral support and skilled legal representation that doesn’t back down from any fight. By handling cases of police brutality and other forms of harmful misconduct, we hope to not only secure compensation for our clients but also protect civil rights and uphold the principles of fairness and accountability within the criminal justice system at large.
We have the strength, experience, and resources needed to bring police brutality claims against any law enforcement agency, such as:
- North Carolina Highway Patrol
- North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
- North Carolina Department of Adult Correction
- Goldsboro Police Department
- City- or county-level police and Sheriff’s departments
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Many others
Call (919) 893-0090 now to see if you can file a police brutality lawsuit. Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation to begin.
What is Police Brutality?
Police brutality refers to the misuse of authority by law enforcement officers that leads to harm or violates an individual's civil rights. When officers engage in excessive force, racial profiling, unlawful arrests, or other forms of misconduct, they undermine public trust and the core values of justice they are sworn to protect while also harming a specific person, sometimes in severely violent ways.
Examples of police brutality include:
- Excessive force: The use of force beyond what is necessary to restrain or detain a criminal suspect, oftentimes resulting in serious injuries.
- Misuse of weapons: Discharging firearms or deploying other weapons in situations where such force is unwarranted.
- Unlawful arrest: Arresting someone without probable cause or valid legal justification; a form of false imprisonment.
- Racial profiling: Targeting people based on race, ethnicity, or national origin rather than evidence of wrongdoing or probable cause.
- Denial of medical care: Failing to provide or delaying necessary medical attention to a person injured during a police interaction.
- Other misconduct: Includes verbal abuse, sexual abuse of someone in custody, and denying people their basic rights as granted under state and federal laws.
Legal Rights & Protections for People in North Carolina
The U.S. Constitution and other legal provisions give you important rights and civil protections. Many of those civil protections should shield you against police misconduct. At the very least, they give you avenues to try to set things right after being hurt by police misconduct, such as filing complaints and lawsuits afterward.
Key civil rights that protect you from police brutality include:
- The Fourth Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches, seizures, and use of force by law enforcement.
- The Fourteenth Amendment: Guarantees due process and equal protection under the law, helping prevent discriminatory actions by public officials.
- State-level protections: Many states, including North Carolina, have additional statutes and mechanisms to safeguard individuals from abuse carried out by agents of the government.
Damages in Police Brutality Cases
Victims of police brutality may be eligible for various forms of compensation to address the harm and suffering that they and their families have experienced. Our North Carolina police brutality attorneys can help you understand what types of compensation you can demand through a claim or lawsuit against the law enforcement agency and municipality that allowed it to happen. We know that money can’t undo such terrible harm, but it can help you move forward with financial stability.
Damages that could be available in a police brutality case include:
- Medical expenses: Covering hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and future care resulting from injuries.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to injury or time required to recover from the ordeal, as well as reduced future income and opportunities.
- Emotional distress: Acknowledging the psychological toll of police brutality, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the incident.
- Punitive damages: Financial penalties aimed at punishing the offending law enforcement agency and discouraging similar behavior in the future; are not always available in each case.
How Our Attorneys Can Help You
At Pittman Agner, our entire legal team comprised of trial attorneys and highly experienced support staff is committed to providing compassionate, results-driven counsel for victims of police brutality in all its forms. With years of experience and an in-depth understanding of the law, including Constitutional law which is usually at the center of police brutality lawsuits, we are prepared to guide you through this complex process every step of the way.
You can depend on our Goldsboro police brutality attorneys in many ways, such as:
- Listening to your story: We take the time to understand what you and your family have endured, so we can develop a legal strategy crafted to that exact unique situation.
- Collecting evidence: Gathering documentation, such as body cam footage, police reports, and witness accounts, to strengthen your case.
- Filing claims: Drafting and submitting legal filings promptly and accurately on your behalf.
- Attempting to negotiate a settlement: Arguing for a fair resolution outside of court while prioritizing your best interests and the pursuit of justice for all.
- Court representation: Should the need arise, our attorneys can go to court to fight for your rights in a trial setting.
Contact Pittman Agner for a Free Case Review
No one should feel powerless in the face of police brutality and abuse. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a law enforcement agent, including the removal of your rights without any physical violence against you, reach out to our attorneys at any time. With legal experience, real empathy, and unwavering resolve, we are ready to fight relentlessly to protect your rights and restore your dignity.
We can handle police brutality cases in Goldsboro and throughout North Carolina. Contact us today at (919) 893-0090 for a free, confidential case review.