Encounters with law enforcement personnel sometimes result in personal injuries and deprivations of individual rights that can occur in several ways: false arrest, false imprisonment, excessive force, and malicious prosecution, among others. Violations of state law, federal statutes and the U.S. Constitution by the police are actionable, meaning that the citizen can bring a lawsuit to recover damages for the harm caused. Our attorneys have helped many individuals victimized by law enforcement. At Levine & Slavit, PLLC, we have experience dealing with police misconduct in New York City, and we will work hard to help you. Contact our law office at (212) 687 2777.
Protect Yourself from Police Misconduct
Different types of damages can be recovered in police misconduct suits:
- Compensatory Damages – The victim can recover compensatory damages; that is to be awarded amount of money that fairly and reasonably compensates the victim for the injuries and harm suffered.
- Punitive damages – Can also be recovered in certain egregious cases. Punitive damages, in contrast to compensatory damages, are imposed to punish the wrongdoer and his or her employer – a city, county, state or other municipality.
- Attorneys’ Fees – This type of recovery can add significantly to the overall recovery and often serves as an incentive for the municipality, where it feels vulnerable to an unfavorable outcome from a jury, to try to settle a case.
Civil rights violations can also occur after the individual has been incarcerated. Examples of these violations include the sexual harassment or assault of prisoners by prison guards, depriving a prisoner of necessary medical treatment, providing medical care or treatment that constitutes medical malpractice, and denying a disabled prisoner access guaranteed them under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Learn More about Police Misconduct
The police may be in charge of keeping the peace, but not at the expense of an individual’s rights or well-being. If you or someone you know has been the victim of police misconduct in New York City or Manhattan, contact Levine & Slavit for a free consultation. We will take the time to thoroughly review the matter and explore the possible actions that can be undertaken to right the wrongs committed.