Unfortunately, there are police brutality claims made daily throughout Maryland. Should you be a victim of such activity, you will want to learn more about it and how you can be compensated for such misfortune. You must also act swiftly as you must take action within one year of the date of injury.
What is Classified as Police Brutality?
Police brutality is defined as the excessive and unwarranted use of force by law enforcement against an individual or a group. This is an extreme form of police misconduct.
Examples of Police Brutality
The term police brutality is used to refer to various human rights violations by law enforcement. Beatings, racial abuse, unlawful killings, torture, or indiscriminate use of riot control agents at protests are some examples of police brutality.
Defining Abuse of Power
The abuse of power is the misuse of a position of power or authority to take unjust advantage of individuals, organizations, or governments. Unfortunately, there are many instances where law enforcement officers abuse their power to intimidate or coerce.
Effects of Police Brutality
Police brutality can be associated with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. There are many different types of physical police brutality including assault and battery, harassment and intimidation, mayhem, sexual assault, torture, and wrongful death. There are adverse personal and societal effects on both the victim and the witnesses of such brutal activities. Such actions diminish the community’s trust in law enforcement.
Recourse in Police Brutality Cases
You may be able to sue the law enforcement officer or his department for personal injury damages under state tort law. Many police brutality matters also involve civil rights under the Constitution or federal law. You should quickly discuss your situation with a criminal attorney well-versed in such matters. Do not delay because there are strict time limitations in such matters against the state and its employees.
Know Your Rights as a Victim of Police Brutality
In Maryland, you must take a “Tort Claims Act” action to sue the police or another government worker. The Maryland Tort Claims Act requires the injured party to act more quickly than in a simple personal injury matter. In such cases, a written claim must be filed within one year of the injury and such claims must be filed with the Maryland State Treasurer or the treasurer’s designee.
Work with a Maryland Police Brutality Lawyer
When you have suffered from police brutality you should consult with an experienced Maryland police brutality attorney as soon as possible.
What matters to you, matters to us. For over five decades, JGL attorneys have fought to improve the future of families, the arc of careers, the success of business, and your most basic human rights. The attorneys of JGL take your business, family, and personal issues as personally as you do. We relentlessly pursue the outcomes you desire. If you need guidance from a Maryland police brutality lawyer, please contact JGL.
