Police officers are authorized to use force and physical violence under certain circumstances in order to apprehend suspects, preserve the public peace, and protect citizens from harm. When an officer abuses this authority by employing excessive force against a suspect, however, the victim may suffer severe injury or death, in addition to a major violation of his or her civil rights.
Have you or a loved one been the victim of any form of police brutality? If so, then you should not hesitate to contact Foutris Law Office, Ltd. for assistance with filing a claim for damages. A Chicago civil rights lawyer from the firm has experience defending police officers against such allegations, and knows how to effectively build the evidence to support your claim.
In any arrest or detention of a suspect, the police officer is only allowed to use as much force as is reasonably necessary. Even in the face of resistance or attempts to flee the scene, the officer is not allowed to go any further than required to subdue the suspect. It is irrelevant whether the police officer was acting in good faith, as long as it can be proven that the degree of force used was not merited by the situation. Victims who are punched, kicked, choked, beaten with batons, or subjected to taser abuse deserve compensation for their medical bills, as well as for the pain and suffering caused by the incident.
Police will often attempt to refute allegations of excessive force by claiming that the suspect was resisting arrest or even attacked the officer, but witness testimony, surveillance footage and even the police officer's history of violent behavior can support the accusation. Whether you have suffered bruising or if you lost a loved one in a case of wrongful death, an attorney from the firm will represent you throughout the process of claiming damages.
Contact a Chicago civil rights lawyer for a consultation. Get started on a claim after you have suffered excessive force at the hands of police!