South Carolina Police Misconduct Injury Lawyers

South Carolina Police Misconduct Attorneys

It seems that the days of blindly trusting the police to conduct investigations and arrests without using unnecessary force and to protect the lives of suspects in their custody are over. Far too often, police officers across the country overstep their authority and violate the rights of both the innocent and the guilty. It does not matter if you committed the crime you are suspected of—the police do not have the right to use unnecessary force or to deny you care when you are suffering a medical emergency.

If you were injured or a loved one was killed in an incident of police misconduct in South Carolina, call our experienced team to get to work for you. We fight for injured victims and will not back down until you have the justice you deserve.

Our South Carolina legal team is experienced in civil rights litigation and wrongful death claims, and we’re ready to guide you through every step of the legal process.

Please contact our office at (864)712-7317 for a FREE, personalized review of your case.'

What Is Police Misconduct?

We acknowledge that many police officers in South Carolina do their jobs with respect for the rights of the individuals they encounter. However, it cannot be denied that some officers cross the line in their treatment of witnesses and suspects. When you are the target of that disrespect and mistreatment, and you suffer tangible losses as a result, you have the right to seek monetary compensation if it can be proven that the officer committed an offense such as the following:

Excessive force. This is a broad category that can refer to any physical encounter that leaves you injured, including choking, throwing you to the ground, using a taser, rough handling, using a baton, assaulting you while you are already in handcuffs, and more.

Denial of emergency medical treatment. If you have suffered an injury—whether at the hands of officers or not—and you need medical care, the police have a duty to get it for you, regardless of your guilt or innocence. If you suffer an asthma or panic attack, show signs of a heart attack, or are bleeding or clearly in pain, the officers should call an ambulance or take you to the nearest ER.

Sexual assault. Any sexual encounter with a police officer during an arrest or while in custody is a violation of your rights, and the officer should be held accountable. If you were physically or emotionally harmed, you could have a claim for compensation.

Wrongful shooting. Every time an officer discharges their weapon, there should be an internal investigation into the shooting. If it is found that the officer shot you or your loved one without just cause, they should be held civilly liable, as well as suffering professional consequences.

Our job as injury and victims’ rights lawyers is not to hold police officers professionally or legally accountable for breaking the law; instead, our job is to make sure the officer’s victims are financially compensated for what they have lost. That compensation might come from an insurance policy, a police department budget, or the officer’s personal assets.

Common Injuries from Police Misconduct

Police misconduct can lead to various types of injuries, some of which may be physical, emotional, or psychological. Here are some common injuries resulting from police misconduct:

1. Physical Injuries:

Bruising and Lacerations: Often a result of excessive force, such as being struck, shoved, or restrained roughly.
Fractures and Broken Bones: Occur when officers use excessive force, like handcuffing too tightly, hitting, or body slamming a suspect.
Head Injuries: A direct result of blows to the head or the impact from a fall during an arrest, which can cause concussions or more severe brain injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Occur when excessive force or improper handling leads to falls or trauma to the back or neck, potentially resulting in paralysis.
Internal Injuries: Can result from forceful actions like blows to the abdomen or chest, which may lead to internal bleeding or organ damage.
Gunshot Wounds: In cases where police officers discharge firearms during encounters, innocent individuals or suspects can be injured or killed.

2. Psychological and Emotional Injuries:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Victims of police misconduct, especially those involved in violent encounters, may develop PTSD due to the trauma of the event.
Anxiety and Depression: Experiencing police misconduct can lead to long-term mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or emotional distress, due to the stress and fear of being targeted.
Emotional Distress: This could include feelings of humiliation, embarrassment, or extreme fear, especially if excessive force was used in a public or humiliating way.

3. Wrongful Death:

In extreme cases of police misconduct, excessive use of force, or unlawful actions, a suspect may die from injuries sustained during an encounter with law enforcement, leading to a wrongful death claim.

4. False Arrest or Malicious Prosecution:

While not a physical injury, these legal issues can cause harm to an individual’s reputation, livelihood, and emotional well-being. It’s a form of misconduct when officers arrest someone without cause or prosecute them maliciously, leading to significant personal harm.

5. Sexual Assault or Abuse:

In some cases, police officers may abuse their authority and engage in inappropriate or illegal sexual conduct while in a position of power. This type of misconduct can lead to physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-lasting psychological harm.

Types of Losses You Could Suffer

If you were seriously injured in an altercation with the police, you could lose a great deal that you will never be able to get back. As your attorneys, we will build a case using evidence of police misconduct along with medical and financial records showing the extent of your losses to get you the compensation you deserve for your:

Medical bills
On-going and future medical treatment
Lost wages
Lost earning capacity
Physical pain
Emotional suffering

It is not easy to fight the blue wall of silence after an incident of police misconduct, but our experienced team is prepared to take them on. And the best part is that you don’t have to pay any upfront fees. We only get paid if we get you the compensation you deserve after the police have violated your rights and left you injured.

Trust Our Team to Fight for What You Deserve

With unmatched experience in police misconduct injury claims and a culture that focuses on providing responsive, compassionate service to our clients, Pracht Injury Lawyers is here for you. Our mission is to use our hearts and our heads to help our clients pursue all of the compensation to which they are entitled. Reach out to our team as soon as you can. We will answer all of your questions and be candid about your options. You have suffered in uncertainty long enough. Get the answers you need now.