Can You Sue the Police for Injuries in Pennsylvania?

Police officers are expected to perform their duties without causing injuries to the citizens they protect. Unfortunately, many people report injuries each year that are incurred because of encounters with the police. Victims of police brutality often suffer both physical and emotional consequences.

In Pennsylvania, victims of police brutality are permitted to bring personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits against offending officers. This allows people who have been injured by police brutality in Pennsylvania to seek compensation for their injuries. These victims will have several legal options to consider before filing a police brutality case. Although, police departments will hire defense lawyers to protect their officers. Our Pennsylvania police brutality lawyers can help fight defense lawyers and recover compensation on your behalf.

If you have been injured because of mistreatment by a Pennsylvania police officer, seek help by calling the Philadelphia police brutality lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 709-6940 for a free case review.

Personal Injury Damages Available in a Pennsylvania Police Brutality Lawsuit

Several types of personal injury damages often stem from instances of police brutality. Some of the injuries may be straightforward to calculate while others are more difficult. Victims of police brutality in Pennsylvania can recover for the following damages suffered because of the incident:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Emotional pain and suffering
Punitive damages

Medical expenses and lost wages are easier to calculate after an injury. However, the assistance of a Pennsylvania, police brutality lawyer will aid victims in proving damages for emotional pain and suffering. Lastly, punitive damages will only be awarded if the officer’s conduct was malicious or committed with reckless disregard for the victim’s well-being. Punitive damages serve to discourage any similar behavior from Pennsylvania police officers in the future.

Suing a Police Officer for Police Brutality in Pennsylvania

Most civil lawsuits brought against police officers involve some form of police brutality. Police officers are not permitted to use excessive force against an individual when arresting them. In determining whether an officer used excessive force, courts will consider whether the officer used force that was proportional to the threat they faced. This means that police are only authorized to use the requisite force to overcome the situation at hand.

Police brutality can come in many forms. If an individual has suffered any of the following forms of mistreatment during an arrest, they may have a claim for police brutality:

Physical, sexual, or mental abuse
Excessive force to make an arrest
Misuse of tasers
Misuse of handcuffs
Failure to render aid to a prisoner
Failure to feed or give water to prisoners
Injury or illness from unsanitary conditions while in custody

If an individual has been injured during an arrest, and the police officer caused the injury by using excessive force, the individual may have a personal injury claim against the officer. Proving excessive force can be difficult. Our Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers can ease the stress on victims by gathering evidence to support their claim.

Furthermore, civil lawsuits may be brought against officers for injuries caused by other forms of police negligence. You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured because of a car crash, stray shot, or pedestrian accident caused by cops.

Suing the Police for Wrongful Death in Pennsylvania

In extreme cases, officers are permitted to use deadly force if a suspect is using deadly force against the officer. However, many police shootings, deaths from tasers, choke holds, and other forms of restraint are unfortunately not justified. Families of victims who have died because of police brutality or negligence may have a claim for wrongful death. Determining whether a police officer’s use of deadly force was justified is a complicated task. A Pennsylvania police brutality lawyer can help victims’ families determine if they have a valid claim for wrongful death.

Suing a Police Officer for Injuries During False Arrest in Pennsylvania

When individuals are taken into custody without legal authority, it is known as a false arrest. False arrests are another form of police brutality, especially when they result in injuries. The victims of false arrest can seek sometimes seek civil damages against the police for damages suffered because of their false arrest.

These damages can include the humiliation of being restrained, physical injuries caused by the arrest, and even damage to the victim’s reputation. Bucks County personal injury lawyers can assist victims of false arrest in seeking compensation for their injuries.

Why Do I Need A Lawyer for My Police Brutality Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

A lot goes into suing a police officer for police brutality. Police officers will often have experienced defense attorneys protecting their interests in any police brutality case. Furthermore, it can be very difficult to prove that an officer used excessive force. This is because police officers are protected by qualified immunity, a judicially created doctrine that can shield officers from being held personally liable for damages they cause. Facing the police department’s defense attorneys is a difficult task to take on alone. Our Pennsylvania police brutality lawyers will help you gather evidence and build a strong case for you.

Furthermore, there may be various steps you have to take to file with agencies to seek compensation that way before you can file a lawsuit. Your Easton, PA personal injury attorney can manage your case at every stage and help you get your day in court.

Statute of Limitations for Police Brutality Claims in Pennsylvania

The statute of limitations for police brutality cases in Pennsylvania is the same are it is for personal injury cases: two years. People who have been injured because of police brutality have two years from the time of the injury to file a lawsuit. Furthermore, when suing a government agency, injured parties in Pennsylvania must provide written notice of their claim to the relevant government agency within six months of the injury’s occurrence. Your Hershey, PA personal injury lawyers can help you comply with any filing deadlines.

If You Have Been Injured Because of Police Brutality in Pennsylvania, Our Lawyers Can Help

If you have been injured because of mistreatment by a Pennsylvania police officer, seek assistance by calling the Pennsylvania police brutality lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 709-6940 for a free case review.

Browse All News

"This was the best call I made. Exceptionally helpful in every way. Thank you 🙏"

- Sophia N.
Google

"I can’t say enough great things about the Attorneys at the Reiff Law Firm. They made me feel at ease when I was going through a very difficult time in my life. Never being in a situation like this I was so unsure of where to start and how to go about the process. Justin gave me options where I thought I had none and explained everything in a way that I could understand. Justin and the team helped me arrange all of the treatment and therapy that I needed, without them I would have been lost. My attorney John went to bat for me like no one else could have, his knowledge and professionalism is unmatched. If anyone is ever in need of a team of attorneys the Reiff Law Firm is my ONLY recommendation."

- Iea S.
Google

"I greatly appreciate the care and compassion the Reiff Law Firm has given to my family at a very difficult time. They left no stone unturned in their investigation and what started as a small settlement ended $100, 000 more than expected. They did not give up and treated us like family."

- John L.
Google Review

"Good afternoon Mr. Robert, I appreciate your professional support and how it’s been helpful, thank you and your entire law firm for all of your hard work throughout my case. Throughout the time we worked together, everyone at your law firm was kind, patient, and supportive. I’m confident your hard work and determination will make my case a breeze. I will never forget how much your services meant to me. Thanks once again for your incredible determination and tenacity during my case."

- A.E.

"Before meeting with Jeffrey Reiff and Bob Szostak from the Reiff law firm I’ve consulted with a few other injury attorneys in the Philadelphia region. Difference was, these guys know their stuff! I was absolutely blown away by how compassionate and welcome this law firm makes you feel. Once signed with them I never went a single week without staying in the loop with the progress and updates these guys have on your case. Working with them...turned what was an injury case, into a family!...I’ve never felt like a beat was skipped. I’d recommended the Reiff law firm 100%! I’m very comfortable to say there’s no better in the city. The awards they’ve earned over the years speaks for itself! I can never thank the Reiff law firm and Bob Szostak enough for everything they’ve done, their professionalism, compassion and all of their knowledge and experience! Highly rated! Best in the city!...Thanks again Reiff family!"

- Ryan M.
Google

"...I want to say that the Reiff Law Firm changed my entire life with handling of my legal case. I was in a very serious automobile accident with severe injuries to neck and back areas. I contacted the law firm and asked what to do with the medical bills and how do I get the correct representation against the individual who rear-ended my car. In short, the firm took complete control of the case contacting my insurance company and asking for all the medical bills and legal matters be sent directly to them. I was able to get treatment from my doctor without worrying about the legal stuff. Furthermore, two years later the case was settled for a substantial amount of money. My life was much better due to the firm handling of my case. My attorneys at Reiff Law Firm are absolutely the best and I have recommended to my family friends. Thanks Reiff Law Firm."

- Dean P.
Google

I highly recommend the team at the Reiff Law Firm. Both Jeff and Robert were there to guide me through a very difficult time. What started out as a time for me that included a lot of doubt, questions and hopelessness has turned into one of a hopeful future. The team at the Reiff Law Firm made me feel at ease and I had no doubts trusting them with various concerns. They kept me informed every step of the way without making me feel overwhelmed or anxious. Don't hesitate to contact them for your legal needs - especially if you want a team that has the utmost concern and compassion for their clients.

- K. Williams
Google

"I was referred to the Reiff Law Firm by a friend who had previously been a client of the firm. My friend told me that the Reiff Firm had done an incredible job handling his case and treated him like family. My friend's recommendation was spot on. I am going to miss them now that my case is over. Attorney Reiff and Attorney T. are excellent attorneys. They really care. They got me an INCREDIBLE RESULT. Most importantly they were there for me during some extremely dark and difficult times in my life. I highly recommend the Reiff Law Firm to anyone seeking the very best legal representation for injuries they suffered in an accident."

- Robert F.
Google

View More Reviews