Civil rights are the foundation of American democracy, and their protection is guaranteed at both the federal and state levels. When civil institutions, including law enforcement, civil administrators, or even private entities (subject to public agencies’ governance), infringe on an individual’s civil rights, legal action may be warranted. 

US constitution civil rights attorneys in NYC

At Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C., we have walked alongside many clients who have had their civil rights infringed by the same authorities charged with protecting them. We are proud to stand as the civil rights lawyers of choice in litigation against the individuals and institutions that have failed to treat a person fairly. If your civil rights have been violated, schedule a free, confidential consultation today. We are dedicated to advocating on behalf of our clients to hold abusive law enforcement officers accountable and deter others from similar misconduct. 

Why Choose Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C.? 

When the system seems to be working against you, choose a legal advocate who has the experience needed to level the playing field. Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C., represent clients in Manhattan and throughout New York City in their fight for justice. When you are harmed by the institutions you trust to protect you, we hold them accountable. 

Over 50 Years of Fighting for Justice in NYC 

If you are looking for a  rights law firm in New York that will fight for your legal rights and who will seek full and just compensation for your injuries, then please contact us today. 

Here is a recent example of a jury verdict for police brutality:  

  • $2,800,000 Jury Verdict — Police Brutality, Bronx. Our client was a victim twice on this terrible night. Returning home from work on New Year’s Eve, he was mugged on a subway train. The muggers escaped through the crowds. The victim was on the subway platform, bleeding from the mugging,and the police approached and treated him like he was the criminal.  

Because we understand that civil rights violations don’t just happen during business hours, we have lawyers available to assist you 24/7. When you contact us, you will always speak with one of our experienced attorneys. We will give you the personalized attention that you deserve. 

We Take On Complex Police Misconduct Cases 

Police misconduct cases are legally and procedurally complex. Challenges often include the “blue wall of silence” that can hinder internal investigations, the NYPD’s limited disciplinary follow-through on complaints filed with the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), and the legal protections afforded by qualified immunity, which can shield officers from liability unless they are shown to have clearly violated established legal rights. 

At Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C., we have the experience and resources to navigate these challenges. Our attorneys are committed to holding law enforcement accountable and pursuing justice on behalf of those harmed by police misconduct. 

Police Brutality and Civil Rights Violations  

Physical violence and excessive force by law enforcement officers can cause serious physical and psychological harm. Victims of police brutality and similar civil rights violations are often also victims of racial profiling, which is illegal.  

In 2024, there were 9,036 claims filed against the NYPD, a 30.7 percent increase from 2023. The majority of these claims involved civil rights violations. NYPD settlements totaled $309.51 million, a 14.6 percent increase from 2023.  

In 2022, the Police Commissioner reduced or dismissed dozens of penalties recommended by the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB).  

If you or a loved one has been harmed by police misconduct, you don’t have to face it alone. Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. is here to listen, guide, and fight for the justice you deserve. We understand the pain, the frustration, and the fear, and we’re ready to stand with you every step of the way. 

Common Police Misconduct That Leads to Lawsuits 

A civil rights violation by police in New York City, the metro area, or anywhere in New York State occurs when an officer or law enforcement agency violates a person’s legally protected rights under the U.S. Constitution, New York State law, or local laws like the New York City Human Rights Law. 

Examples of Cases We Handle  

We can help if you have experienced these civil rights violations: 

  • Invasion of privacy, including forced entry into your home by law enforcement officials  
  • Impairment of due process in criminal proceedings 

When the police, who are there to protect and serve, instead turn aggressor, our team is ready to fight for your rights. Police brutality and wrongful arrest are multi-faceted abuses; they infringe on civil rights, cause physical and emotional injuries, and violate human dignity. 

When Police Cross the Line: Your Right to Take Legal Action 

Police actions cross the legal line when they become disproportionate to the situation at hand. For example, after stopping a driver for a minor traffic violation, such as a broken taillight, an officer forcibly removing the driver from the vehicle, slamming them to the ground, and using a taser without provocation may constitute excessive force. 

Using physical or deadly force against someone who is already handcuffed or restrained is rarely justified. Unless the person is actively trying to escape or poses a serious threat, such actions often cross the line into unlawful conduct. Everyone, even in police custody, deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness. 

Deadly force, in particular, should only be used when there’s an immediate threat to someone’s safety. If that danger wasn’t present, the law requires a close look at whether the officer’s actions were reasonable. Courts consider the totality of the circumstances — everything that was happening in the moment — to determine whether the use of force went too far. 

How to Know If You Have a Valid Civil Rights Case 

You may have a valid civil rights case if police seriously overstepped the law, like using force when you weren’t resisting, arresting you without cause, or treating you differently because of your race or background. If what happened felt wrong and resulted in harm, trauma, or lasting impact, it’s worth speaking with a lawyer. They can help you understand whether your rights were violated and what legal options you have. 

Your Legal Options After a Police-Involved Death or Injury 

If you intend to file a civil lawsuit against a New York City agency, such as the NYPD, for civil rights violations or wrongful death, you must first file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident or, in the case of wrongful death, within 90 days of the date of death. Failing to file the Notice of Claim within this 90-day window generally bars you from suing the City or its agencies in state court. 

After the Notice of Claim is filed, you may file your lawsuit in court. The complaint must describe the date, time, and location of the incident, identify the involved officers or employees if known, and outline the alleged misconduct and the damages being sought. 

The lawsuit itself must be filed within one year and 90 days from the date of the incident (or date of death for wrongful death claims). 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit in NYC? 

Not every death caused by police is considered wrongful under the law. A death is considered wrongful when the officer’s use of force was excessive, unreasonable, or not legally justified in the situation. In other words, if the person didn’t pose a serious threat and deadly force wasn’t necessary, the officer’s actions may have violated the law, and the family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim 

Under New York law, only the personal representative (executor or administrator) of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. While this person manages the legal process, any compensation awarded is distributed to the deceased’s eligible family members—typically the surviving spouse, children, or parents—based on who would inherit under New York’s laws of intestacy. The amount each person receives depends on their financial loss resulting from the death. 

Damages You Can Recover 

A civil rights violation is far more than a monetary transaction, but unfortunately, the only way the civil justice system can remedy a wrong is through financial compensation. 

There is no way to guarantee how much your case is worth. However, egregious civil rights violations can generate millions of dollars in damages for the injured party. Financial compensation is typically made up of economic and non-economic damages representing losses like medical bills, lost wages, and other financial harm, as well as pain, suffering, loss of freedom, and reputational damage. When the defendant has engaged in egregious behavior, punitive damages may also be an option. 

Schedule a Free Consultation with a New York City Civil Rights Attorney Today 

If you have been the victim of excessive police force or any other serious infringement of your civil rights, contact the skilled New York City Civil Rights Lawyers at Friedman Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. We will evaluate your civil rights claim and advise you of your options. Because we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation.