Excessive force lawsuits are civil lawsuits filed by people who allege that they were injured by police officers who used unreasonable force against them. These lawsuits can be successful, and the payouts can be significant.
Here are some things you need to know about excessive force lawsuit payouts:
- Payouts vary widely. The amount of money awarded in an excessive force lawsuit can vary widely depending on the facts of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the jurisdiction in which the case is filed. Some payouts have been in the millions of dollars, while others have been in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Taxpayers often pay the bill. When a city or town is sued for excessive force, the taxpayers are usually the ones who pay the bill. This is because police officers are typically covered by qualified immunity, which means they cannot be sued personally for their actions on the job.
- Lawsuits can lead to change. Even if a person who files an excessive force lawsuit does not receive a large payout, their case can still make a difference. Lawsuits can lead to changes in police policies and procedures, and they can also help to raise awareness of the problem of police brutality.
Here are some examples of recent excessive force lawsuit payouts:
- In 2021, the city of Minneapolis agreed to pay $27 million to the family of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by police in 2020.
- In 2022, the city of Louisville agreed to pay $12 million to the family of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman who was killed by police in 2020.
- In 2023, the city of Chicago agreed to pay $8 million to the family of Laquan McDonald, a Black teenager who was killed by police in 2014.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other cases in which excessive force lawsuit payouts have been significant.
Why are excessive force lawsuits important?
Excessive force lawsuits are important because they can help to hold police officers accountable for their actions and they can also lead to changes in police policies and procedures. These lawsuits can also help to raise awareness of the problem of police brutality.
What can you do if you believe you have been a victim of excessive force?
If you believe that you have been a victim of excessive force by a police officer, you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. You may be able to file an excessive force lawsuit against the police department or the individual officers involved.
FAQs
- What is the difference between excessive force and self-defense?
Excessive force is when a police officer uses more force than is necessary to detain or arrest a suspect. Self-defense is when a police officer uses force to protect themselves or others from harm.
- How do I know if I have a case for excessive force?
If you believe that you have been a victim of excessive force by a police officer, you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can assess the facts of your case and determine whether you have a viable claim.
- What damages can I recover in an excessive force lawsuit?
In an excessive force lawsuit, you may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- How long does an excessive force lawsuit take?
The length of an excessive force lawsuit varies depending on the complexity of the case and the jurisdiction in which it is filed. Some cases can be resolved within a year, while others can take several years.
- What are the chances of winning an excessive force lawsuit?
The chances of winning an excessive force lawsuit vary depending on the facts of the case. However, it is important to note that police officers are typically covered by qualified immunity, which means they cannot be sued personally for their actions on the job. This means that even if you win your case, you may not be able to collect damages from the individual officers involved.
If you are considering filing an excessive force lawsuit, you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can assess the facts of your case and determine whether you have a viable claim. If you do have a case, an attorney can help you to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Here are some tips for choosing an attorney to represent you in an excessive force lawsuit:
- Choose an attorney who has experience in representing people in excessive force lawsuits.
- Ask the attorney about their fees and how they are paid.
- Get everything in writing, including the attorney’s fees and the scope of their representation.
- Be prepared to answer the attorney’s questions about your case honestly and completely.
Conclusion
Excessive force lawsuits are an important tool for holding police officers accountable for their actions and for seeking justice for victims of police brutality. If you believe that you have been a victim of excessive force, you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
References:
- National Police Funding Database: https://policefundingdatabase.org/
- Excessive Force Lawsuits Cost Taxpayers Millions: https://thecrimereport.org/2022/03/09/police-misconduct-cost-taxpayers-over-3-2-billion-in-settlements/
- Minneapolis to Pay $27 Million to George Floyd’s Family: https://abcnews.go.com/US/27-million-settlement-george-floyds-family-approved-minneapolis/story?id=76419755
- Louisville to Pay $12 Million to Breonna Taylor’s Family: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/15/us/breonna-taylor-settlement-louisville.html
- Chicago to Pay $8 Million to Family of Laquan McDonald: https://chicago.suntimes.com/2016/6/24/18465327/1-million-per-shot-how-laquan-mcdonald-settlement-unfolded-after-that-initial-demand
