When police or government actors violate your constitutional rights, through excessive force, false arrest, or unlawful search, you may be entitled to compensation. The Edwards Firm LLP fights to hold violators accountable and protect your rights.
New York
Civil Rights Violations
Understanding Civil Rights Claims
The Constitution of the United States affords all citizens certain rights. When those rights are violated, our justice system allows for lawsuits to be brought against the violators. Civil rights violations occur when someone’s constitutional rights or other protected characteristics are infringed upon, or they face discrimination.
These cases often involve law enforcement conduct, such as excessive force, unlawful arrest, or unreasonable search and seizure, but they can also arise from discriminatory treatment by government agencies or officials. A civil rights claim doesn’t always require a physical injury. Deprivation of liberty or due process can also support a case.
The Edwards Firm is dedicated to fighting for justice in civil rights cases, holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. With over 30 years of experience, we know how to investigate police conduct and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
No matter the type of case, we work tirelessly to secure fair compensation and help our clients rebuild their lives with dignity, whether through a negotiated settlement or at trial.
Elements of a Civil Rights Claim
To succeed in a civil rights claim, you’ll generally need to show:
- A Protected Right: A constitutional or statutory right was implicated, such as freedom from unreasonable search or excessive force.
- Government Action: A government actor, such as a police officer or corrections officer, violated that right.
- Resulting Harm: The violation caused you injury, loss of liberty, or other damages.
Civil Rights Cases We Handle
The Edwards Firm represents victims of civil rights violations throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Our attorneys investigate police reports, body camera footage, and witness accounts to identify every responsible party and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law. From the moment we take your case, we develop a strategy for holding violators accountable as quickly as possible, whether that means a negotiated settlement or a trial verdict. With over 30 years of experience, we’re not afraid to take on police departments and government agencies.
We handle cases involving:
- Excessive force
- Unlawful arrest
- False imprisonment
- Prison & correctional officer injuries
- Physical assault
- Shootings
- Racial profiling
- Unlawful search & seizure
Civil rights cases against police departments and government agencies require a thorough understanding of both the underlying incident and the procedural rules for suing a government actor, including strict notice requirements and deadlines that differ from a typical injury claim. The Edwards Firm investigates every detail, from body camera footage to internal affairs records, and consults with you on every critical decision, keeping your best interests at the forefront. We negotiate aggressively, and litigate when necessary, to recover the full compensation you deserve and hold violators accountable for their actions.
Why Choose The Edwards Firm
We focus on your recovery, not our egos. From your first call, you’ll work directly with attorneys who listen, explain your options clearly, and fight for the outcome you deserve.
- Over 30 years of experience
- Proven record of case results
- Personalized, client-first approach
- Trial-ready when insurers won’t pay
- Serving NY, NJ & PA
- Free case evaluations
Government agencies and their lawyers have significant resources devoted to defending civil rights claims. You deserve the same level of advocacy on your side. The Edwards Firm levels the playing field, handling every detail of your case, from investigation through negotiation or trial, so you can focus on rebuilding while we fight for the accountability you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of incidents does the firm handle?
The Edwards Firm handles cases involving police brutality, false imprisonment, racial profiling, unlawful search or seizure, and injuries that occur while in custody. If a government actor violated your rights, we can review the facts of your situation during a free case evaluation and help you understand your legal options.
Does a civil rights case require a physical injury?
Not always. While many civil rights cases involve physical harm, violations can also include deprivation of liberty, due process violations, or discriminatory treatment without a physical injury. The Edwards Firm can help you understand whether your situation may support a claim, even if you weren’t physically hurt.
Who can bring a civil rights claim?
The person whose rights were violated can typically bring a claim. In wrongful death cases, the victim’s estate or a designated representative may file on their behalf. The Edwards Firm can help determine who has standing to pursue your specific case and guide your family through each step of the process.
What kinds of compensation are available in a civil rights case?
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages and attorney’s fees. The Edwards Firm can help you understand what your case may be worth and which categories of damages may apply to your specific situation.
How long do I have to file a civil rights claim?
Deadlines vary depending on the applicable federal or state law and whether a government entity is involved, which can require a notice of claim filed within a very short window after the incident. Consult with The Edwards Firm promptly to protect your rights and avoid missing a critical filing deadline.
Contact The Edwards Firm for Civil Rights Help
If your civil rights were violated, don’t wait to protect yourself. Our attorneys are ready to review your case, answer your questions, and fight for accountability and the compensation you deserve. Contact The Edwards Firm today for a free, no-obligation evaluation.
