Most law enforcement officers are trustworthy and respectable hard-working citizens. Rather obviously, our society would not function without responsible police officers taking dangerous people off the streets. Unfortunately, sometimes police officers do not behave as they should. Whether an officer reacted on instinct or out of blatant malice, if you have been injured in a police brutality incident, there is a good chance you are entitled to compensation. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are some examples of police brutality?
Police brutality usually presents itself as “unreasonable” or excessive force causing serious personal injury, and sometimes even death to a member of the public. Some examples of police brutality are as follows:
- Wrongful arrest
- Improper use of firearms
- Assault and battery
- Negligent police chases
- Excessive force
- False imprisonment
Generally, police officers are a friend to the general public, which is important to keep in mind. However, if you have been injured due to an officer’s misconduct, you will need an experienced attorney to represent you.
How do I know if I am entitled to compensation following an incident of police brutality?
If you believe an officer did not have valid grounds to use physical force against you, you may be entitled to compensation. However, you must note that officers are allowed to use physical force as needed, so if you have done anything to unnecessarily escalate the situation, giving the officer a plausible reason to feel threatened, you may not be entitled to compensation.
Can I do anything to help ensure I recover compensation?
Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to help prove your personal injury claim. Generally, police officers are required to wear body cameras while on duty, so recovering this footage may be your best bet in proving your claim. However, if for some reason the officer’s body camera was off or not working, you may still recover nearby security camera footage. If you are still physically capable, you should ask witnesses of the incident to verify your claim, if need be. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, you must seek medical attention immediately. A medical professional will first treat your injuries, which may have been caused by a police baton or gun. Once treated, a medical professional will provide you with documentation detailing the extent of your injuries, which in this case, are most likely severe. You may then use these documents to help bolster your claim in court.
Contact our Washington D.C. firm
The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC are prepared to represent clients facing legal matters after being injured due to another person’s negligence. If you require strong legal representation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
