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Los Angeles Police Misconduct & Shootings Attorney

Protecting the residents of California in wrongful police shootings cases

All too often, we hear about innocent bystanders being arrested, injured or killed by police officers just because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. There is a code of conduct that our men and women in uniform must follow. When they fail to do so, their governing agency may be liable for resulting injuries. Whether it’s a high-speed chase, a case of mistaken identity or just because the officer thought he or she could get away with it, our skilled Los Angeles police misconduct attorneys have the knowledge to fearlessly pursue compensation for your injuries.

We have successfully represented clients who were hurt or denied their rights by law enforcement officials, including:

  • $8.75 million verdict in a case involving the LA County Sheriffs shooting an unarmed man to death.
  • $7.5 million settlement with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in connection with the shooting death of Kurt Reinhold, an unarmed black man in San Clemente. This is the largest police shooting settlement ever against the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
  • $3.3 million verdict in a case involving multiple deaths after a high-speed pursuit by Border Patrol agents.
  • $2.7 million verdict for a boy shot by police.

The lawyers at Taylor & Ring have years of experience representing plaintiffs throughout California who have been injured at the hands of men and women with a badge. Trust us to help you through the legal process.

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What types of police brutality claims do your attorneys handle?

While many law firms shy away from these types of personal injury cases, our lawyers believe that no one is above accountability when causing injury to an innocent party. Throughout our years of experience, we have seen police brutality and misconduct claims involving:

  • Police shootings. Guns are weapons of last resort. When officers purposely or negligently commit an unjustified shooting, they tear families apart and cause severe hardships for the victim. When these highly controversial incidents occur, we aggressively pursue personal injury or wrongful death compensation for the victim or victim's family.
  • False arrests. Under most circumstances, police officers must have probable cause to arrest and take custody of an individual. When an officer uses his position to falsely arrest an individual, he or she is acting outside the law. A false arrest can prove extremely stressful for the victim, often leading to severe financial and psychological distress.
  • False imprisonment. Along with false arrest, officers also have no right to hold an individual against their will without proper justification. This is called false imprisonment, and the victim may be entitled to a substantial compensatory award.
  • Excessive use of force. A badge does not give the police the right to violate an individual's civil rights with an excessive use of force. Officers have a duty to only use that amount of force that is reasonably necessary to achieve proper goals. When excessive force is used, a victim can face severe injuries, possibly leading to years of necessary medical treatment.
  • Falsifying evidence. While we would like to believe that all police officers are working in the best interests of the public, that simply is not an accurate depiction of a rogue few. Falsifying evidence is a practice used to secure the arrest and/or conviction of an innocent party. It may entail planting evidence or influencing witness testimony. Evidence falsification can lead to unjust incarceration, robbing the victim of time, family and earnings. When these events occur, our Los Angeles police misconduct attorneys work hard to investigate the details of the case and file a claim for compensation when appropriate.
  • Unnecessary use of Tasers. Tasers are an effective weapon, allowing law enforcement officers to exercise physical control over an individual without having to use a gun. But Tasers are extremely painful and, used inappropriately, can cause severe injury to the victim.
  • Inappropriate use of police dogs. Police dogs are another useful tool for law enforcement agencies. However, when used in an improper way, these highly trained canines can become dangerous weapons. Like any other weapon, police officers have a duty to use police dogs in an appropriate manner. Failure to meet that duty can result in severe injuries from a police dog attack.
  • Sexual harassment. Police officers may also use their authority to harass individuals within the community. Our attorneys have seen numerous sexual harassment cases involving police officers and residents of California. These victims are left feeling vulnerable, unprotected and violated. Many of them require extensive psychological treatment and therapy in order to live productive lives. These necessities are costly and place a great burden on the victim, as well as the victim's family.
  • Improper restraint. Sometimes, police officers use excessive force by improperly restraining an individual in their custody. This often occurs when the person is placed on a prone, or face-down, position and the involved officers apply pressure to the person’s neck and back.  As a result, the person’s diaphragm is compressed and he or she struggles to breathe.  There have been many cases where the person asphyxiates, or stops breathing, and dies as a result of the officers’ improper restraint techniques.

Our experienced Los Angeles police shootings lawyers have the knowledge and drive to aggressively pursue compensation from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies when unjust police actions leave you or a loved one severely or fatally injured. The restrictions and regulations placed on these types of lawsuits can make these cases extremely challenging to pursue. However, with the proven track record of our firm, victims of police misconduct can trust that their cases are being handled with a full commitment to a positive outcome.

Can I file a wrongful death lawsuit if my loved one died in police custody?

If a loved one dies while in custody – whether in a detention center, jail, or while being transferred – you may be eligible to bring a wrongful death action. Nobody can be denied access to medical care or treatment, nor can they fail to provide health care in a timely manner. Your loved one has the right to receive care for alcohol and drug withdrawal, medical conditions and injuries caused by other inmates or jail guards. If they become sick or injured while in custody and die as a result of denial of treatment, our Los Angeles police misconduct attorneys can help you file a wrongful death suit.

What can I do when the police violate my civil rights?

Civil rights violations are terrifying and unfortunately not uncommon in today’s unsettled times. No matter what the allegations against you – if any – you have Constitutional rights and the attorneys at Taylor and Ring fight to protect them. We put our network of resources into action if you experience civil rights violations due to police misconduct, like false arrest or imprisonment, excessive force, failure to intervene or malicious prosecution. We also represent victims of sexual harassment, assault and racial profiling.

What is a “Section 1983” lawsuit?

Section 1983 is part of the Civil Rights Act of 1871, and serves as the mechanism for citizens to file a civil lawsuit when their civil rights have been violated. Section 1983 allows you to take civil action against a state or local official. These officials can include police, county sheriffs, sheriff’s deputies, prison guards and wardens, and sometimes even the cities or municipalities that employ them. You cannot use Section 1983 to sue a private citizen acting without connection to the government, and you also cannot use Section 1983 to sue an employee of the federal government.

The Southern California attorneys at Taylor & Ring can consult with you about any violation of your constitutional rights and the best way to move forward with legal action.

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Police Misconduct

How do I bring a civil rights lawsuit under the Bane Act?

Under the Bane Act, nobody – including the police – can interfere with your civil rights through intimidation, violence or threats. This includes your right to vote, peacefully assemble and protest, bear arms or even associate with certain people. If anyone interferes with these rights through coercion, violence or other means, our police misconduct attorneys can take legal action against them. Interference can also include vandalism or property damage.

The Bane Act was first legislated in 1987 to combat hate crimes, but now encompasses any act that interferes with a person’s civil rights, whether or not the action is construed as discriminatory. Further, it’s now most commonly used in police brutality cases.

How our Los Angeles police brutality attorneys can help

Our attorneys are dedicated to fully investigating police brutality and misconduct claims, building your case with strong evidence and addressing a variety of factors, including:

  • Any related claims of denial of due process, or illegal search and seizure
  • Arrests that infringe on the Constitutional right to free speech and assembly
  • Disputing police, sheriff and other officer claims that their actions constituted necessary and required force to protect the public and themselves
  • Shining a light on collusion or coverups to hide the evidence of a false arrest or other misconduct

Police officers vow to serve and protect the public. When they abuse their power on the job and wield that authority to injure and even kill people, it is time to hold them accountable. When police and jail personnel go too far and take things into their own hands, the attorneys at Taylor & Ring will fight for your rights.

Call us when Los Angeles police misconduct leaves you injured

If you or a loved one has been wrongfully injured or mistreated by a police officer in California, don’t be too intimidated to seek justice. Trust the experienced Los Angeles police misconduct lawyers at Taylor & Ring to provide you with the guidance and advocacy your case deserves. We will listen to your story and offer our evaluation of your legal options. Call 310-776-6390 or complete our contact form today. Your first consultation is free.

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