Were your civil rights violated in Indianapolis, IN? Have you suffered from police brutality, wrongful arrest, or other forms of government misconduct? If so, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the harm you’ve endured. An Indianapolis civil rights lawyer can help you get justice.
At Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers, we are committed to protecting the civil rights of Indianapolis residents. Our legal team has 40 years of combined experience and has recovered millions for injured clients in Indiana. We understand civil rights laws and fight tirelessly to hold government employees accountable for the harm they cause.
Contact us today at (317) 916-0000 for a free consultation to discuss your case. We work on a contingency fee basis; you won’t pay attorney’s fees unless we recover a settlement or jury verdict for you.
How an Indianapolis Civil Rights Lawyer at Rob King & Associates Can Help You
Civil rights violations from police or other government employees can leave victims feeling powerless. You may feel like you have nowhere to turn, but know that you do not have to face this battle alone.
Our Indianapolis civil rights attorneys have over four decades of combined experience handling personal injury cases against the government and other entities. We’ve been recognized by SuperLawyers and Martindale-Hubbell for our outstanding success.
When you hire our Indianapolis personal injury lawyers, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into your claim and gather evidence
- Initiate legal claims against the responsible parties, including government entities
- Handle all legal paperwork and comply with all deadlines
- Work with expert witnesses to strengthen your case
- Negotiate a settlement or take your case to trial, if necessary
When your fundamental rights are violated, taking legal action is an important step in seeking justice. We’re ready to be your voice. Call us today in Indianapolis, Indiana, so we can stand up for you.
Overview of Civil Rights Violations and Police Misconduct
Civil rights are legally protected rights specified by federal, state, and local laws. Your civil rights include protections against discrimination and other unlawful treatment from the government.
Some of the most common types of civil rights violations include:
- Police brutality, including excessive force, beatings, or improper restraint methods
- False arrests and detention, meaning you were taken into custody without probable cause or legal justification
- Malicious prosecution when criminal charges that lack probable cause or are motivated by ill intent
- Unlawful searches and seizures, which are prohibited by the Fourth Amendment
- Racial profiling when law enforcement engages in misconduct based on race, ethnicity, or national origin rather than evidence or behavior
These violations can have severe physical and emotional consequences for victims, who often feel there is nowhere to turn. Holding police officers and other officials accountable for misconduct is critical for protecting your rights and preventing future violations.
Federal and State Protections Against Civil Rights Violations
Several laws protect individuals from civil rights violations, including:
42 U.S. Code § 1983 – Civil Action for Deprivation of Rights
This law, §1983 allows victims of government misconduct, including police brutality, to file a lawsuit against law enforcement officers or other officials who violate their constitutional rights.
18 U.S. Code § 242 – Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law
§242 makes it a criminal offense for any official to willfully deprive someone of their constitutional rights. While this statute does not allow victims to sue directly, a conviction under this law can support a civil claim.
34 U.S. Code § 12601 – Police Misconduct and Pattern or Practice Violations
§12601 allows the Department of Justice to file lawsuits against law enforcement agencies engaging in systemic civil rights violations. Although this law does not provide direct financial compensation to victims, it can lead to court-ordered changes in police department policies and practices.
Indiana State Laws
Indiana state laws also provide avenues for seeking justice in cases of police brutality, discrimination, and other violations. Additionally, victims can file personal injury claims against law enforcement officers and agencies for damages related to physical and emotional injuries.
Our experienced civil rights lawyers in Indianapolis can help you understand all the laws that apply to your case. We’ll investigate your situation and identify liable parties, working to hold them accountable under every law and through all means available to us.
How Much Is My Civil Rights Case Worth in Indiana?
The value of your case will depend on the facts and circumstances of your situation. Civil rights cases against police officers and government officials are complicated, and a full assessment must be conducted before a lawyer can tell you what your case is worth.
Your claim’s value will likely influenced by:
- The severity of your injuries
- The extent of your medical bills
- Whether you lost wages from missed work
- Whether your earning capacity is diminished
- The pain and suffering you’ve endured
- What civil rights laws were violated
- Which statutes provide your cause of action
The best way to determine the value of your case is to consult an experienced civil rights attorney in Indianapolis. Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers offers free consultations to help you understand your rights. We can also consult with experts in finance, medicine, and other disciplines to strengthen your case.
What Compensation Can I Recover for Civil Rights Violations in Indianapolis?
Victims of civil rights violations are typically entitled to compensatory damages for the harm they’ve suffered. That means they can recover various economic and non-economic damages for their financial and personal losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages may also be available to punish the responsible parties for extreme misconduct. In some cases, civil rights laws allow victims to recover attorney’s fees as part of their compensation.
Our experienced Indianapolis civil rights lawyers can identify all available damages in your case and will work diligently to maximize the compensation you receive.
Common Injuries Resulting From Police Brutality and Civil Rights Violations
Victims of police brutality and civil rights abuses often suffer serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
The long-term impact of these injuries can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. In the most severe cases, injuries can even lead to wrongful death. Seeking justice through a civil rights/personal injury case can help provide financial relief and hold the responsible parties accountable.
How Long Do You Have To File a Civil Rights Claim in Indiana?
The statute of limitations for filing a civil rights lawsuit varies depending on the type of claim. You must comply with these deadlines or risk losing your right to sue for compensation :
- Section 1983 claims: Typically, you have two years from the date of the violation to file a lawsuit.
- Personal injury claims: If the violation resulted in physical injuries, you generally have two years to file a claim under Indiana law.
- Claims against government entities: Indiana law requires that you file a notice of claim within 180 days if you are suing a government agency.
- Wrongful death claims: If a civil rights violation resulted in a wrongful death, the statute of limitations may be different, requiring consultation with an attorney to determine the appropriate deadline.
Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to pursue compensation, so it is crucial to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Civil Rights Lawyer in Indiana?
Most civil rights and police brutality lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you will not pay upfront fees, retainers, or an hourly rate. You will only pay attorney fees if your lawyer recovers a settlement or verdict for you first. If your attorney wins an injury award, they will take a pre-agreed-upon percentage as payment, usually between 30% and 40%.
Contingency fees help individuals afford quality legal representation when they may be experiencing financial strain due to a civil rights violation. At Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers offer contingency fee arrangements in all civil rights violation cases. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us any money for attorney’s fees. Call us today to learn more about our fee arrangements.
Contact an Indianapolis Civil Rights Attorney at Rob King & Associates Today
If your civil rights have been violated in Indianapolis, Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers, is here to help. Our dedicated team has the experience and resources necessary to fight for justice on your behalf. We offer free consultations, so you can discuss your case with a skilled Indianapolis civil rights attorney at no cost.
Don’t wait—contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options. Our team is ready to help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. We serve clients in Downtown Indianapolis, Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, Meridian-Kessler, Irvington, Speedway, Castleton, Beech Grove, Lawrence, Southport, Greenwood, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Zionsville, Brownsburg, Avon, Plainfield, and across all Indiana. You can contact our firm 24/7. You’ll never have to wait for the help you need.
