Dallas Civil Rights Police Brutality Lawyer

Disclaimer: Our law firm does not handle Police brutality cases. This article is for informational purposes only. The article’s information does not constitute formal legal advice or create an attorney/client relationship.

Are you a victim of police brutality in Dallas, TX? If the police acted illegally and violated your civil rights, you have the right to take legal action.

An experienced Dallas civil rights police brutality lawyer can help you fight to recover compensation for your medical costs, lost income, and the pain, trauma, and suffering you’ve experienced.

Police Brutality in the United States: the Scope of the Problem

A recent report found that police and sheriff’s offices across the United States paid over $3.2 billion to settle police misconduct cases in the prior decade. In addition to financial compensation, victims can also seek policy changes in their settlements.

That said, these changes haven’t resulted in widespread change. Police violence continues to be a problem in the U.S. One organization reports that police killed at least 1,351 people nationwide in 2023.

Statistics on Police Violence in Texas

The Mapping Police Violence organization reported that in Texas, police killed 141 people in 2023. Black people were 2.4 times more likely to be killed by police than white people.

Another organization gives each state a score when it comes to the policies and practices law enforcement uses to prevent misconduct. Texas’ score was 50%. That means 50% of the country has safer police practices than those used in Texas. According to their report, between 2016 and 2021, 14,659 complaints about police misconduct were filed across the state of Texas.

How Much is My Dallas Police Brutality Case Worth?

Before stepping up and starting a legal battle with the Dallas police department, most injured parties want to know how much their personal injury case is worth. 

You may have a right to seek compensation under both federal and state law. Even if the police seem willing to offer a financial settlement, there’s no guarantee that the amount is fair. It’s critical to have an experienced attorney review your case before you agree to a dollar amount.

Your case value will depend on the unique facts of your case, including:

  • The type of harm you have suffered
  • The severity of your physical injuries
  • Whether you will recover fully or suffer a permanent disability
  • The nature of the at-fault officer’s actions
  • How the injury and violent acts impacted your ability to earn a living
  • Your emotional trauma and how the ordeal has impacted your mental health
  • The strength of the evidence 

An Overview of the Laws on Police Misconduct in Texas

Your right to be free from police brutality is protected under both federal and state law. 

The primary federal law that protects you is 42 U.S.C. §1983. Section 1983 prohibits law enforcement from using their position of power to violate your civil rights.

To seek justice under the federal civil rights law, you must show:

  • The officer was acting under “color of law”
  • They violated your civil rights 

You don’t have to prove that the officer had legal authority to commit the acts in question. Someone acts under color of law when they let you believe they’re exercising the authority given to them by a government office.

Under federal law, it’s also a crime for government officers to deprive citizens of their constitutional rights.

You can seek compensation from both the responsible police officer and the police department itself. As the officer’s employer, the Dallas PD can be held financially accountable when officers commit wrongful acts.

Types of Cases Involving Police Misconduct

Some types of police misconduct cases:

  • Physical assault
  • Unjustified shooting and wrongful death
  • Racial bias
  • False arrests
  • Unlawful detention
  • Illegal search and seizure
  • Coercing a confession
  • Cruel and unusual punishment
  • Unreasonable use of weapons or restraints
  • Sexual assault
  • Civil rights violations based on your membership in a protected class
  • Harassment
  • Tampering with evidence or fabricating evidence
  • Improper use of police K-9 units, including allowing a K-9 to attack or bite without justification
  • Verbal abuse

Law enforcement officers aren’t prohibited from using force when executing their duties. In fact, police are sometimes forced to use violence to protect themselves and others. However, police aren’t given a free pass to engage in violence. The amount of force used must be reasonable under the circumstances. 

When the police use excessive force, you can turn to our lawyers in Dallas for help holding them liable.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Victims of Civil Rights Violations in Texas?

Under Texas personal injury laws, you can recover compensation for the full value of your economic damages and non-economic damages.

Victims of police violence and civil rights violations often suffer a wide range of damages, including:

Some civil rights violations occur because of outdated policies and practices within the police department. However, police brutality and civil rights violation cases often involve intentional wrongdoing. 

Either way, judges in Texas have the authority to award punitive damages in cases where the evidence proves the defendant deserves to be punished.

Victims of Police Brutality Often Suffer Extensive Physical and Emotional Injuries

Police violence can leave victims with significant physical injuries, including:

Experiencing violence at the hands of the police can also leave significant emotional scars. Victims often struggle with trauma and fear for years after their physical injuries have healed.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit Based on Police Brutality in Texas?

Under Texas personal injury laws, you have two years to file a lawsuit. Typically, you also have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim under Section 1983.

These are the general statutes of limitations. However, you may have significantly less time to take legal action. Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, you must file a notice of claim against a government agency, like the police, within six months.

Depending on the facts, you could have even less time. It’s critical to speak with an experienced attorney right away if you are a victim of police brutality.

Contact a Trusted Dallas Civil Rights Police Brutality Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If a police officer in Dallas violated your civil rights, an experienced Dallas civil rights attorney can help you fight to hold them accountable. Your consultation is always completely free, and there’s never any obligation.