Have you or a loved one been a victim of police violence or experienced a civil rights violation in Fort Worth, TX? You may deserve significant compensation. Standing up and fighting for justice can be overwhelming. An experienced Fort Worth civil rights police brutality lawyer at Anderson Injury Lawyers is ready to help you fight to recover financial compensation.
Our founding attorney has over 30 years of experience in personal injury law. Our proven track record of success involves recovering over $100 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Contact our law offices in Fort Worth, Texas, or call (817) 294-1900 today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.
How Anderson Injury Lawyers Can Help If You Were a Victim of Police Brutality in Fort Worth
Police do have some discretion when performing their duties. They’re often forced to act quickly to protect themselves and others. That doesn’t mean they get a free pass to violate your rights. When they do, they can be held accountable.
Don’t expect the government to make things easy. Police will go to great lengths to protect their own. It’s crucial to have an experienced Fort Worth personal injury attorney protecting you.
When you hire Anderson Injury Lawyers, you gain a trusted team to:
- Explain your legal options
- Conduct a detailed investigation
- Collect any evidence to prove your case
- Assess the value of your damages
- Protect you from any scare tactics designed to make you back down
- Demand full compensation from the government
- Fight to protect your interests at trial if necessary
A lengthy legal battle is probably the last thing you want. Our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers can handle the legal work. While you rest and recover, we’ll be negotiating to secure every dollar you deserve.
Statistics on Police Brutality and Violence in Texas
According to the Mapping Political Violence organization, police killed 1,100 people across the United States during the first ten months of 2024. 143 of those deaths occurred in the state of Texas.
Now, police are allowed to use a reasonable amount of force when necessary to protect themselves and others. Not every death at the hands of law enforcement amounts to brutality. Still, the statistics are fairly shocking. Police departments across the U.S. have spent billions of dollars to settle cases involving police misconduct over the last decade.
One organization is devoted to evaluating police policies designed to prevent police brutality and misconduct. That organization found that Texas scored 50% when compared to all other U.S. states. The results show that 50% of all states have implemented more effective policies to prevent police brutality. Across the state of Texas, civilians filed at least 14,659 complaints alleging police misconduct.
Civil Rights Violations: An Overview
You have the right to enjoy certain protections and freedoms under both the Texas state and U.S. constitutions. Your civil rights are violated when an officer of the law intentionally ignores your rights under either constitution.
Police brutality is one of the most severe and dangerous types of civil rights violations. A civil rights violation ignores your freedom and protections under the law. Police brutality also puts your safety–and sometimes your life–on the line.
Our Lawyers in Fort Worth Handle All Types of Civil Rights Violation Claims
At Anderson Injury Lawyers, we have the resources to handle any type of police brutality claim, including those involving:
- Assault
- False arrest and unlawful detention
- Unjustified shooting
- Wrongful death
- Verbal abuse and harassment
- Racial bias
- Discrimination based on your membership in a protected class
- Illegal searches and seizures
- Fabricating evidence to make or justify an arrest
- Tampering with evidence
- Sexual assault
- Cruel and unusual punishment
- Using threats or violence to coerce a confession
- Allowing police K-9 dogs to bite or attack suspects without justification
- Neglecting inmates’ rights in jail or prison
Many police brutality claims involve the use of excessive force. Law enforcement officers are permitted to use a reasonable amount of force when executing their duties. Still, the amount of force can’t be excessive given the circumstances.
Standing up to law enforcement can seem impossible. Our attorneys in Fort Worth are here to stand by your side every step of the way. If you believe your civil rights were violated by the police, call our law firm to explore your legal options today.
An Overview of the Laws Governing Police Misconduct in Texas
Texas personal injury laws give injured parties the right to seek compensation from the person responsible for their injuries. That’s true whether the at-fault party was careless, reckless, or acted intentionally to harm you.
Police brutality is also prohibited under federal law. Many police brutality claims are brought under a federal law known as Section 1983. Under 42 U.S.C. §1983, you can take legal action if a government uses its position of power to violate your civil rights.
To bring a Section 1983 case, you must have evidence to show:
- The defendant was a government official, including a police officer
- The defendant was acting under the color of law
- The defendant’s acts violated your civil rights
It’s not always enough to simply prove that your rights were violated and the police department employed the officer. Section 1983 cases also require proof that the defendant acted as though the government authorized their actions.
Importantly, you don’t have to prove their actions actually were authorized. You may have a valid case even if the officer didn’t have the legal authority to commit the acts in question. Someone acts “under color of law” if they let you believe they do have authority.
How Much is My Fort Worth Civil Rights-Police Brutality Case Worth?
As is true in any personal injury case, the value of your claim will depend heavily on the nature of your injuries. Key factors that our attorneys will consider include:
- Whether you will suffer any long-term impairment
- Your medical treatment costs
- The pain and trauma you have experienced
- Damage to your quality of life
- The nature of the at-fault police officer’s actions
- The value of any lost earnings during your recovery
- How the injury and event is likely to impact your future earnings, education, opportunities and lifestyle
Count on our team to fully evaluate the details as we’re working to assess your case value.
What Types of Compensation Are Available to Victims of Civil Rights Violations in Fort Worth?
Texas personal injury laws give injury victims the right to pursue compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages. The exact nature of your damages award will depend on the types of losses you have experienced.
Common examples of economic damages in police brutality cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages during your recovery
- Reduced future earning potential
- Property damage
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Humiliation and shame
- Depression
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium and other damages for wrongful death
Texas courts may also award punitive damages in certain cases. Punitive damages are reserved for cases where the defendant’s acts are worthy of punishment.
Who is Liable for Paying My Damages?
Federal law prohibits the police and other officials from depriving you of your constitutional rights. The defendant may face criminal charges in addition to civil penalties.
Both the at-fault police officer and their employer, the police department, can be financially responsible. Employers in Texas are responsible for the acts employees commit on the job. After all, it’s the employer who should have strong policies and procedures that effectively prevent police misconduct.
Victims of Police Brutality in Fort Worth Often Suffer Severe and Life-Changing Injuries
Police brutality is incredibly traumatizing. Victims often suffer serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Dental injuries
- Eye and facial injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Head and neck injuries
- Joint injuries
- Nerve injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
It’s also likely that you’re suffering emotionally. We’ll also factor in your non-physical injuries as we fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Police Brutality Lawsuit in Texas?
It’s important to call a lawyer sooner rather than later. When your claim is against a government agency (including the police), you must notify them of your intent to take legal action within six months. While you’ll have longer to take formal action, you must get the ball rolling within six months in most cases.
The statute of limitations in most Texas personal injury cases is two years. You’ll also usually have two years from the date of the misconduct to file a Section 1983 claim under federal law.
Call a Fort Worth Civil Rights Police Brutality Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Don’t hesitate to reach out for legal advice if the police violated your rights. Contact an experienced Fort Worth civil rights police brutality lawyer for help today. At Anderson Injury Lawyers, your consultation is always free.