$1.2 Million Settlement for Victim in Police Brutality Case
Gay Chacker & Ginsburg has Experience in Police Brutality Cases
Recent events like the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner have put the spotlight on the issue of police brutality. Sadly, this is something with which many Americans are already familiar. Our personal injury law firm has represented individuals and families in a number of police brutality cases.
One of these police brutality cases dates back to 2007, but is particularly relevant today. Brian Jones, a 20-year old African-American man, was shot and killed while walking with his nephew. The officers were responding to reports of gunshots, but Jones was unarmed and had no criminal record.
Representation in Police Brutality Cases
Gay Chacker & Ginsburg represented Gloria and Christopher Jones, Bruce Jones’ mother and brother. Judge Mitchell Goldberg ruled that the police officers’ report lacked sufficient credibility. The case led to a $1.2 million settlement.
Police brutality stories like these leave a lasting impact. Nothing can make up for Mr. Jones’ death, but successful litigation ensures that police misdeeds do not go unnoticed. Compensation can also help the victim’s family members, who may have difficulty paying for funeral expenses or supporting themselves in the wake of such a trauma.
Legal Help in Police Brutality Cases
Police brutality cases are usually decided in federal court. This differs from state courts in that there’s no limit to monetary compensation. Such cases are very technical. Law enforcement agencies will seek to defend themselves. This is why it is so important to hire an attorney who’s willing and able to go the extra mile.
It’s worth pointing out that police brutality cases are considered civil rights cases. The goal is to prove either that law enforcement policy encouraged and abetted abuse, or that no policy existed to prevent abuse. However, even if the case against the offending officer fails, it may still be possible to open up a civil lawsuit.
Other Kinds of Police Brutality Cases
Unjustified shootings are among the most dramatic examples of police brutality cases. These are generally classified as excessive force or wrongful death cases. However, police misconduct can take other forms as well. Examples include illegal search and seizure, coercion and discrimination.
In all of these, the victim’s rights are being violated. The police perform an important function, but this does not give them leeway to ignore your rights. Recent cases of police brutality demonstrate how important it is to address this issue.
Contact us immediately if the police have mistreated you. Gay Chacker & Ginsburg has been getting results since 1990. Our team has successfully represented victims in many police brutality cases. We have also worked in cases involving hospital negligence, product liability and slip and fall cases, among others.
