Have your civil rights been violated by law enforcement in Scranton, Pennsylvania? You may be entitled to compensation for your financial losses. Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, can help you get justice from the parties that were supposed to uphold justice. We represent individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by police officers and other government actors. Our attorneys have 100 years of combined experience and have recovered over $150 million for injured clients in Lackawanna County and throughout Pennsylvania.
Contact our office today at (570) 714-4878 to schedule a free consultation with a Scranton police brutality lawyer. We handle civil rights cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Why Choose Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC for a Civil Rights Police Brutality Case in Scranton, PA?
Civil rights violations by police officers in Scranton, PA, can leave victims feeling powerless and distrustful of the very institutions meant to protect them. These cases often involve excessive force, an unlawful arrest, or another form of police misconduct. Each of these violations requires the right Scranton civil rights lawyer with the experience and resources to stand up to law enforcement agencies and government defendants.
Clients choose Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, because we offer:
- Decades of combined experience handling complex personal injury claims
- Tens of millions recovered for injured clients across PA
- Recognition from the legal community and top legal organizations like the National Trial Lawyers and Super Lawyers
- Personalized attention and responsiveness to your questions and communications
- Knowledge of the local court system, municipal agencies, and defense attorneys
- Contingency fees with no up-front costs for legal representation
We are not afraid to take on difficult cases or powerful government opponents. If your rights were violated by police in Scranton, we are prepared to be your advocate. Call us today to schedule a free case review with a Scranton personal injury lawyer.
Overview of Civil Rights Violations and Police Misconduct
Your civil rights are protected by the United States Constitution, federal statutes, and Pennsylvania law. These laws are designed to ensure that government officials, including police officers, do not abuse their authority or deprive individuals of fundamental rights.
Common forms of police misconduct and civil rights violations in Scranton include:
- Police brutality and excessive force (e.g., unnecessary physical violence, taser misuse, or unjustified shootings)
- False arrest or unlawful detention without probable cause
- Malicious prosecution
- Illegal searches and seizures in violation of the Fourth Amendment
- Racial profiling or discriminatory policing
Police brutality can result in serious physical injuries and emotional distress. Likewise, police misconduct erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law. Civil rights lawsuits offer the opportunity to hold such individuals and agencies accountable for violating the law. Our Scranton police brutality attorneys can assist victims in seeking justice and compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
Civil Rights Laws in Pennsylvania
Victims of police misconduct in Pennsylvania may have remedies under both federal and state law.
42 U.S.C. § 1983
Section 1983 allows individuals to file civil lawsuits against government officials who violate constitutional rights under the color of law. This includes violations of the Fourth Amendment, such as unreasonable searches, seizures, and excessive force, as well as violations of the Fourteenth Amendment’s due process and equal protection.
18 U.S.C. § 242
Section 242 makes it a federal crime for government officials to willfully deprive a person of constitutional rights. This statute allows criminal prosecution rather than civil lawsuits. However, criminal findings can support related civil claims.
34 U.S.C. § 12601
Section 12601 authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and address patterns or practices of misconduct within police departments. These cases may lead to reforms, but typically do not provide direct compensation to individual victims.
Pennsylvania law may also allow claims against officers or government entities for assault, battery, false imprisonment, and other torts. These cases are subject to sovereign immunity rules and specialized procedural requirements. An experienced Scranton civil rights attorney can determine which claims apply to your situation.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Civil Rights Violation in Scranton?
Victims of police brutality and civil rights violations may be entitled to compensation for the harm they have suffered.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Counseling or therapy for emotional trauma
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages in cases involving especially reckless or malicious conduct
Certain federal civil rights claims also allow successful plaintiffs to recover attorneys’ fees and litigation costs. Our Scranton personal injury attorneys can help you determine the full extent of your losses to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Civil Rights Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Civil rights cases are subject to strict statutes of limitations. Missing a filing deadline can permanently bar your claim.
In Pennsylvania, federal Section 1983 claims generally follow the state’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury actions. State-law claims involving police misconduct may also be subject to a two-year deadline. Additionally, special notice requirements may apply when suing a government entity or municipality.
These deadlines can vary based on the facts of your case. It is important to consult with a Scranton civil rights attorney who can help you understand the applicable deadlines as soon as possible after a violation occurs.
Contact a Scranton Police Brutality Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
If your civil rights were violated by law enforcement in Scranton, you deserve experienced legal representation to hold police officers and government agencies accountable. At Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, our attorneys bring 100 years of combined experience to every case we handle and have recovered more than $150 million in compensation for injured clients.
Call today to schedule your free consultation with a Scranton police brutality lawyer. Let us help you take a stand when it matters most.