When the police or another government actor violates your constitutional rights, the system is built to make you go away quietly. Segal Law Firm makes sure you don't have to.
We represent people whose civil rights were violated by police, corrections officers, and other government actors — from excessive force and false arrest to malicious prosecution and conditions of confinement. These cases are hard. We take them anyway, and we win them.
What civil rights claims actually cover
Federal law (42 U.S.C. § 1983) and state law together give you the right to sue when a government actor — usually a police officer, sheriff, or corrections officer — violates your constitutional rights under color of law. This includes the Fourth Amendment (unreasonable seizure, excessive force), the Fourteenth (due process, equal protection), and others.
These cases are difficult because of qualified immunity and procedural traps. Successful plaintiffs win not just money damages but, in many cases, attorney's fees paid by the government — a major reason we can take strong cases on contingency.
What you may recover
- Compensatory damages
- Punitive damages
- Medical & psychological care
- Lost wages
- Attorney's fees (statutory)
- Injunctive relief
What to do after a rights violation
These steps preserve evidence and protect you legally.
Get medical attention
Even minor injuries — bruises, abrasions, anxiety symptoms — should be documented immediately by a doctor.
Photograph injuries & scene
Visible injuries, location, any property damage. Get copies of any video — body cam, surveillance, bystander phones.
Write down everything
Officer names and badge numbers, witness contact info, time and location. Memory fades — write it down today.
Don't talk to investigators alone
If you're charged or asked to give a statement, invoke your rights. Then call us.
Why clients choose Segal for civil rights
Federal § 1983 experience
We litigate in federal court regularly — where civil rights cases live or die on procedure and pleading.
We push back on qualified immunity
Qualified immunity is the defense's favorite shield. We know how to plead around it and how to beat it.
Independent investigation
We don't rely on the police's own version. We obtain CCRB records, IAB files, body-cam footage, and prior complaint history.
Discreet, dignified handling
These cases are often traumatic. We handle them with the seriousness and respect they deserve.
Notice of Claim deadlines are short.
Claims against NYC or other public entities often require a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Some federal claims also have unique timing. Call us right away.
The cases we handle
When government power crosses the line
Excessive force
Beatings, choke holds, taser misuse, K-9 attacks, shootings. We pursue both the individual officers and the municipality.
False arrest & wrongful detention
Arrests without probable cause, detention after charges drop, mistaken-identity holds. Each day counts as damages.
Malicious prosecution
When officers fabricate evidence, lie in reports, or pursue charges they know are unsupported.
Failure to intervene
Officers who watch a colleague violate rights and do nothing can be liable themselves.
Conditions of confinement
Inhumane jail or prison conditions — denial of medical care, assaults, retaliation, abuse.
Discrimination & profiling
Stops, searches, or treatment based on race, religion, gender or other protected status.
Retaliation for protected speech
Arrests or retaliation against protesters, journalists, or people filming police.
Wrongful death
When excessive force or deliberate indifference takes a life, families can pursue federal and state claims.
Frequently asked
Answers before you call
Can I really sue the police?+
Yes. Federal law (42 U.S.C. § 1983) and state law together allow lawsuits when officers violate your constitutional rights. The cases are hard, but they're absolutely possible — we've won them.
What is qualified immunity?+
A judge-made defense that protects officers from liability unless they violated a 'clearly established' right. It's often the central battle in civil rights cases — and we know how to fight it.
How long do I have to file?+
Most § 1983 claims have a 3-year federal statute, but state-law claims and notice of claim requirements (90 days for NYC) can shorten that. Don't assume — call.
Will I get my legal fees back?+
If you win a § 1983 case, federal law makes the government pay your reasonable attorney's fees. That's a major reason we can take meritorious cases on contingency.
What if I was guilty of the underlying charge?+
It depends. Excessive force claims survive even if the arrest was lawful. Malicious prosecution claims usually require the charges to have been dismissed or you to have been acquitted. We'll talk through your situation.
Will this be public?+
Civil rights cases are public court matters, but we handle the press, social media, and any public-facing aspects with discretion and your input.
Contact
Your rights were violated. Let's hold them accountable.
Free, confidential consultation. Direct attorney contact. No fee unless we recover.