Abuse by police – police brutality, excessive force, unjustified shootings
Experienced Civil Rights Attorneys
Government employees and organizations have an obligation to protect your civil rights and freedoms. They are expressly forbidden from discriminating against you due to your race, ethnicity, disability, age, sex, sexual-orientation, religion or other protected class, or denying you the right to equal and fair treatment in society. Unfortunately, there are times where the system fails and we are betrayed by police officers or other government officials. Whether it’s retaliation for speaking out, the use of excessive force while completing an arrest, voter intimidation or discrimination based on race, sexual-orientation or gender, civil rights violations are all too common in the state of Wisconsin.
At Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, we understand the impact these violations can have on your life. Our compassionate practice areas team of civil rights attorneys has successfully fought numerous civil rights cases, helping individuals receive damages for the injuries and emotional stress they have endured.
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Common
Civil Rights Violations
Civil Right violations in Wisconsin, also known as Section 1983 violations, often involve:
GTW Civil Case Results
In 2020, Bucks Guard Sterling Brown, represented by GTW partner Mark Thomsen, settled a history-making civil rights lawsuit with the City of Milwaukee. The settlement included $750,000 in compensation and forced the city to admit it violated Brown’s constitutional rights and incorporate changes to its police department standard operating procedures. — Read full article
Legal Options Following a Civil Rights Violation
If you are the victim of a civil rights violation and decide to take legal action, Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs will fight for compensation, which may include:
Disability
Disfigurement and scarring
Pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life
Emotional distress
Past, present and future medical bills
Lost wages, future earnings and earning capacity
Wrongful Death
Interference with family relationships
Civil Rights FAQs
I believe I have a civil rights case. What should I do?
If you are injured, you should first seek medical treatment. Excessive force and police brutality injuries often include gunshots, internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, torn ligaments and head trauma. The extent of these injuries may not be clear immediately, so a thorough exam is important.
Next, collect as much information related to your case as possible. Names, titles, badge numbers and other identifying information is helpful. Emails, letters, texts, voicemails and video related to the incident will also help prove your case.
Lastly, get in touch with Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs for a review of your case. Our experienced attorneys specializing in civil rights violations will review your situation and recommend next steps, which may include legal action.
Can I sue an individual or organization for violating my civil rights?
While it’s difficult to sue an individual for violating your civil rights, you can sue their employer if it’s a governmental organization. Examples of governmental organizations include schools, police departments, correctional facilities, city/state governments and more.
What are civil rights vs. civil liberties?
Civil rights are not the same as civil liberties. The concept of civil rights has traditionally dealt with the right to be free from unfair and unequal treatment based on protected characteristics. Civil liberties are broader and guaranteed by the Constitution or other federal laws. These include the rights to free speech, privacy and voting.
How does immunity impact civil rights cases?
Immunity is a legal doctrine that shields government employees from being liable for civil right violations — like the right to be free from excessive police force — for money damages under federal law so long as the officials did not violate “clearly established” law. Immunity can make it hard to bring cases against certain individuals, namely police officers, prison officials and school officials.
Do prisoners and those in group homes have the same civil rights as everyone else?
While prisoners and individuals in group homes may forfeit some rights (privacy, private property, etc.) they do retain the following rights:
- The right to humane facilities and conditions
- The right to be free from sexual crimes
- The right to be free from racial segregation
- The right to express condition complaints
- The right to assert their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act
- The right to medical care and attention as needed
- The right to appropriate mental health care
How long do I have to file a civil rights claim?
The statute of limitations is a time limit established by the laws of Wisconsin, and it determines how long you have to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations varies depending on the details of your civil rights violation, so we recommend you pursue your case immediately.
How Our Wisconsin
Civil Rights Attorneys Can Help
If your civil rights have been violated, our law firm has the necessary resources to help. Whether you have faced abuse by police, racial profiling, false arrest, or discrimination in housing or the workplace, our Wisconsin civil rights attorneys can guide you.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to pay anything unless we win. Contact our law firm today for a free initial review to learn more about our legal services. Let our Wisconsin civil rights lawyers guide you toward justice. Se habla español.
