Philadelphia Police Brutality Lawyers
Experienced Lawyers Represent Clients Injured Because of Police Brutality or Use of Excessive Force in Philadelphia
Police officers have a responsibility to protect the citizens of Philadelphia and uphold the law. Despite this, law enforcement does not have the right to execute their duties by any means necessary. When a police officer uses excessive force based on the circumstances and causes you harm, you may have a claim for compensation in a police brutality claim.
At the Marrone Law Firm, LLC, our dedicated police brutality lawyers are committed to upholding victims’ rights throughout Philadelphia. For over 25 years, we have used our legal expertise to get fair compensation for victims of police brutality. We don’t back down when facing off against police and other government agencies—and we have already recovered millions in compensation for our injured clients.
We all want to believe that police and law enforcement are here to protect us from harm—and most police officers are responsible in executing their duties. However, the unfortunate reality is that sometimes police use excessive force. As recent media coverage makes clear, police brutality is a problem that is becoming ever more prevalent and problematic in modern society.
If you have been the victim of police brutality, you need an experienced lawyer on your side to protect your rights. Call or contact our Philadelphia police brutality lawyers at the Marrone Law Firm, LLC today to learn more about how we can fight to get fair compensation for the harm you have suffered.
Identifying a Police Brutality Claim Under Philadelphia Law
When you have been placed under arrest or are being interrogated, your civil rights as guaranteed under the U.S. constitution remain intact. This means that you have the right to be free from police brutality and the use of excessive force even when law enforcement officers are legally questioning you or placing you under arrest. Police brutality claims in Philadelphia can be based upon:
- Use of excessive or unreasonable force
- Unreasonable use of a weapon, such as a taser
- False arrest or imprisonment
- Inappropriate or degrading searches
- Sexual assault
- Police misconduct while off-duty
Use of excessive force can constitute police brutality whether that unreasonable force was intended or unintentional. The definition of excessive force depends upon the circumstances involved. Generally, police use excessive force when:
- The officer uses physical force when responding to a situation, and
- That force is unreasonable or unnecessary to get the situation under control
Police brutality cases are complicated to litigate for a number of reasons. Emotions are usually heightened on all sides and media coverage may contribute to the complexity. Police also do have the right to use a degree of force when necessary.
At the Marrone Law Firm, LLC, our experienced lawyers evaluate the evidence in your case to identify the smartest option for proceeding. We have the legal knowledge and resources necessary to build the most compelling argument possible to protect your rights.
Experienced Injury Lawyers Help Victims of Police Brutality and Excessive Force Get Fair Compensation
Police brutality claims are generally handled differently than other forms of personal injury because the use of excessive force is a civil rights violation. Because of this, Section 1983 of the federal Civil Rights Act can be used to hold the responsible parties accountable in federal court. To succeed, our lawyers will look to issues such as:
- How severe your alleged crime was
- Whether you resisted arrest
- Whether you were armed at the time of arrest or questioning
- Whether you took any actions to threaten law enforcement or anyone in the vicinity of the arrest
Although the responsible law enforcement officer may be reprimanded, the primary remedy to victims of police misconduct comes in the form of financial compensation. Financial compensation may be available in the form of:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Long-term disability
- Lost current and future wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship when police brutality results in the death of your loved one
Many victims of police misconduct never stand up for their rights. At the Marrone Law Firm, LLC, our police brutality lawyers understand how difficult it can be to face off against law enforcement and the city itself.
If you were seriously injured or lost a loved one because the police used excessive force, however, fighting for financial compensation may be the only way to protect your future. Our experienced lawyers are dedicated to helping injury victims recover and will stand by your side every step of the way.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation with Our Philadelphia Police Brutality Lawyers to Discuss Your Excessive Force Claim
At the Marrone Law Firm, LLC, our police brutality lawyers are interested in far more than simply obtaining full and fair compensation for our injured clients. We also want to hold the responsible Philadelphia police officers responsible for their use of excessive force.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of police brutality in Philadelphia, call our office or contact us online today. We will review your case for free and discuss possible options for holding the responsible parties accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Police Brutality and Excessive Force Claims in Philadelphia
A number of parties may be held responsible. Although the actual officers who used excessive force may be held responsible, their punishment will likely be in the form of suspension or termination. It is the department responsible for the hiring, training and supervision of these officers that will be held financially accountable. This usually means that the city will be responsible for paying financial compensation to victims of police brutality.
The 4th amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives you the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. This protection has been interpreted to include the right to be free from the use of excessive force by government actors. Because police officers are government employees, the constitution itself prohibits their use of excessive or unreasonable force.
Yes, but only if the circumstances justify the use of deadly force. For example, if a suspect is believed to be dangerous to the public and is fleeing, police may be entitled to use deadly force. Police officers are also entitled to use deadly force to protect their own lives—if they legitimately believe that their life is in danger or that serious bodily harm is possible. Like any other case involving excessive force, the use of deadly force must be reasonable based on all of the circumstances at the time.