Excessive Force Attorney Services

Law enforcement officers have an important responsibility to protect the public, but they must exercise that authority within the limits of the law. When police officers use more force than is reasonably necessary under the circumstances, they may violate an individual’s constitutional rights and be held accountable for the injuries they cause.

Excessive force can result in serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, permanent disabilities, and even death. At Wiener Legal, we represent individuals throughout Pennsylvania who have been injured by police officers using unreasonable or unlawful force. Our attorneys are committed to protecting civil rights and pursuing justice for victims of police misconduct.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries during an encounter with law enforcement, we are prepared to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

Excessive force occurs when a law enforcement officer uses more force than is objectively reasonable to control a situation, make an arrest, or protect themselves or others.

Under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, individuals are protected against unreasonable seizures. Courts evaluate whether an officer’s actions were objectively reasonable based on the facts and circumstances known to the officer at the time, rather than with the benefit of hindsight.

Not every injury sustained during an arrest constitutes excessive force. Police officers may use reasonable force when necessary. However, when officers go beyond what is necessary, they may violate constitutional protections and become liable for the harm they cause.

Police misconduct involving excessive force can take many forms, including:

• Unnecessary use of physical force during an arrest
• Striking or beating a compliant individual
• Repeated use of a Taser without justification
• Excessive use of pepper spray or chemical agents
• Chokeholds or neck restraints resulting in unnecessary injury
• Use of police dogs without legal justification
• Excessive force against handcuffed or restrained individuals
• Shooting an unarmed or non-threatening person
• Continuing to use force after a suspect has surrendered
• Rough treatment during transportation or while in custody

Every incident must be evaluated based on the totality of the circumstances and whether the force used was objectively reasonable.

The Constitution protects every individual from unreasonable uses of force by government officials.

When officers use force that exceeds constitutional limits, victims may have the right to pursue a civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. In some cases, supervisors, municipalities, or government agencies may also bear responsibility if unconstitutional policies, inadequate training, or failures in supervision contributed to the misconduct.

Holding law enforcement accountable not only helps injured individuals recover compensation but also promotes transparency and public trust.

If you have been injured because of unlawful police conduct, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your losses.

Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
• Punitive damages in appropriate cases
• Attorney’s fees in certain federal civil rights actions

Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on the nature of the injuries and the constitutional violations involved.

Civil rights cases involving police brutality require attorneys who understand constitutional law, police procedures, and complex litigation.

At Wiener Legal, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals who have suffered from excessive force and other forms of police misconduct. We thoroughly investigate every claim, aggressively advocate for our clients, and pursue accountability when government officials violate constitutional protections.

When you hire Wiener Legal, you receive:

• Experienced civil rights representation
• Careful investigation of your case
• Honest legal guidance
• Aggressive advocacy in negotiations and litigation
• A commitment to protecting your constitutional rights

We understand the profound physical and emotional toll that excessive force can have on victims and their families, and we work tirelessly to seek justice on their behalf.

The Law Offices of Richard M. Wiener practices in federal and state courts in PA, NJ, and CO.

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