Advocating For Victims Of Excessive Force In Florida
When law enforcement uses more force than necessary, it can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Our Jacksonville, Florida, excessive force lawyers stand ready to help you seek justice when your rights have been violated.
We at Sheppard, White, Kachergus, & DeMaggio, P.A. Attorneys & Counselors at Law, have stood up for the rights of Florida residents. We’ll stand by you and hold authorities accountable for their actions. We understand the courage it takes to come forward.
What Is Excessive Force?
Excessive force occurs when police or other officials use more physical force than needed to control a situation. This might include:
- Unnecessary use of tasers, batons or pepper spray
- Physical beatings during or after arrest
- Rough handling when you weren’t resisting
- Unreasonable use of restraints causing injury
You may have experienced a violation of civil rights if officers used force despite your cooperation or if the force seemed far beyond what the situation required. Many victims also face false arrest charges to justify the officer’s actions.
Not every uncomfortable police interaction qualifies as excessive force, but certain signs strongly suggest you might have a valid case, including:
- Injuries that don’t match the official report
- Witness accounts that contradict police statements
- Video evidence showing disproportionate force
- Medical records documenting serious injuries
You do not have to feel intimidated about coming forward. We will guide you through this traumatic experience and help you figure out your next steps.
Your Legal Options
Taking legal action can help you recover financially while sending a message that abuse of power won’t be tolerated. If you’ve experienced excessive force, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
An experienced excessive force lawyer can help gather evidence, identify civil rights violations and navigate the complex legal process. We work to hold both individual officers and departments accountable for police misconduct.
How Long Do You Have To Sue For Excessive Force?
In Florida, you generally have two years from the incident to file an excessive force claim. However, certain circumstances may extend or limit this timeframe. It’s important to act swiftly when it comes to seeking legal advice, as evidence can disappear quickly.
Let Us Fight For You
If you’ve experienced excessive force, contact our team at Sheppard, White, Kachergus, & DeMaggio, P.A., for a confidential consultation. We’re committed to protecting your civil rights and helping you seek the justice you deserve.
You can call us at 904-701-0589 or reach us through our online contact form for a prompt response. Our after-hours hotline is also available by calling 904-233-2443 if your situation requires immediate attention. You don’t have to face this difficult time alone–our Jacksonville excessive force lawyers are here to help.