Joe Osborne & Greg Francis, Personal Injury Lawyers & Founders of Osborne & Francis

Civil Rights Lawyers

Legally Reviewed By
Greg Francis

When Do You Need a Civil Rights Attorney?

Civil rights violations are all too common and can have far-reaching effects on you or your family members.

Despite widespread media coverage and public outcry, civil rights violations continue to occur. Civil rights violations happen when an individual’s or group’s rights, as protected by law, are violated by individuals, organizations, or government entities. These violations can upend your life, your family, and your career aspirations. Bringing a lawsuit and holding accountable parties responsible for their actions helps make society a safer place for everyone.

Your civil rights are guaranteed by the United States Constitution. When your rights are violated, bringing a lawsuit can help you obtain damages and regain your status within society. The civil rights attorneys at Osborne and Francis are devoted to obtaining the justice you deserve. Contact us online or by calling (561) 293-2600 We are standing by to listen to you and help guide you through the process of bringing a lawsuit.

Video Transcript

So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:

Number One: See a doctor immediately. 

A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.

A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care. 

Number Two: Write everything down.

Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain. 

You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered. 

Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.

Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them. 

So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.

How Can a Civil Rights Lawyer Help Me?

A civil rights lawyer can help you by bringing a lawsuit against the parties who have violated your civil rights. Civil rights lawsuits can involve a broad range of legal disputes and situations. A civil rights lawsuit is necessary when a person’s rights have been violated or when they are facing discrimination based on various protected characteristics including  race, gender, religion, disability, or national origin.

Civil rights attorneys handle a wide variety of cases. The civil rights lawyers at Osborne and Francis are experienced in handling legal disputes ranging from: 

  • Racial discrimination: If you have been denied equal treatment based on your race or country of origin, you may have cause for a lawsuit. A lawsuit may be the most effective way for those who have experienced racial discrimination to obtain justice. Common situations where discrimination on the basis of race takes place are housing discrimination, employment discrimination, or denied access to financial services. 
  • Gender discrimination: Gender discrimination occurs when you are denied equal protection, treatment, or access based on your gender. Federal laws including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Family, Medical Leave Act, and others are in place to protect you. If you suspect that your rights have been violated, contact a civil rights lawyer as soon as possible.  
  • Police misconduct: Florida Statute 776.05 outlines the proper use of force that police officers use while making an arrest. However, sometimes, police officers fail to follow the law and may engage in excessive force. Excessive force may involve the use of tasers, batons, pepper spray, takedowns, and chokeholds. 

  • Wrongful convictions: Due to prosecutors overcharging, or a series of negligent mistakes by law enforcement, innocent people are sometimes wrongfully convicted. A wrongful conviction is a tragedy that can result in lost months, years, or decades for those who have experienced it. If you have been convicted of a crime you did not commit, you are entitled to compensation for your lost time, wages, and more.
  • Voting rights: Your right to vote is a constitutionally guaranteed right. Violations of voting rights can take the form of voter suppression, gerrymandering, or other tactics that restrict or manipulate the right to vote, particularly targeting minority communities. If you have been denied access to the polls during an election, intimidated or threatened while attempting to vote you may have experienced a violation of your right to vote. 

Civil rights lawsuits are not limited to these categories. One common form of discrimination that the civil rights attorneys at Osborne and Francis frequently encounter is financial discrimination or discrimination in the context of loans. Rejecting a loan applicant, delaying a loan, adding harsh terms to a loan, or offering an inadequate loan on the basis of race, gender, or another protected class is discrimination. 

Discrimination can take many forms. Therefore, it is important to consult an attorney who is familiar with all types of discrimination lawsuits. A civil rights attorney will be able to examine the unique facts and circumstances surrounding your case and determine whether or not a lawsuit for damages is appropriate. 

If you or someone you know has experienced a violation of the rights guaranteed to you by the Constitution, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Contact the attorneys at Osborne and Francis online or by calling (561) 293-2600 to learn more about what you can do to pursue legal action.

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What Can I Expect to Recover in a Civil Rights Lawsuit?

Damages are meant to compensate the plaintiff for the harm they suffered due to the civil rights violation. The specific types of damages available can vary based on the nature of the violation and the applicable laws. Some common types of damages in civil rights lawsuits include:

  • Compensatory damages: Compensatory damages are monetary awards intended to compensate you for the actual harm suffered as a result of the civil rights violation. Compensatory damages may include economic losses including medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life

  • Punitive damages: In cases where the defendant's actions were particularly malicious, oppressive, or reckless. The courts will award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar misconduct. 

  • Injunctive relief: An injunction is a court order that commands an individual, organization, or government entity to take specific actions or refrain from certain activities. Injunctions are issued by a court to prevent harm or preserve rights during the course of a legal proceeding

  • Employment remedy: If your civil rights were violated in an employment setting, a civil rights attorney may seek remedies such as reinstatement to your job, back pay, or other employment-related compensation. 

  • Policy change: In some cases, civil rights attorneys may achieve policy changes within organizations or government agencies to prevent future violations. Some civil rights lawsuits have resulted in widespread societal change. 

While monetary damages and reimbursements for your losses are certainly at the top of our priorities, our commitment to civil rights goes much deeper. We care about restoring your dignity as a human being and reaffirming your standing in society. If you have experienced or are currently experiencing discrimination on the basis of a protected characteristic, contact a civil rights attorney today. 

What evidence will be necessary in pursuing my case and how can we gather it or preserve it?

T. Andrews

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“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”

J. Davis

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“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”

Erica F.

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"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"

Alfred

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Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.

C. Smith

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“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”

E. Holland

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Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!

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Claim Your Civil Rights Attorney Free Consultation

It is important to choose a civil rights lawyer who is experienced in handling complicated civil rights cases. Protecting your civil rights is incredibly important. Bringing a civil rights lawsuit can help you not only protect the rights guaranteed to you by the Constitution but can result in broader societal change. A civil rights lawsuit can spark change so that others in your protected class never have to experience the harm that you have had to endure. 

Why Hire Osborne & Francis

At Osborne & Francis, we employ effective, creative legal strategies so that we can be successful in a wide range of civil rights claims. Their team is responsible for the largest civil rights settlement in United States History, a $1.25 billion dollar settlement award after tens of thousands of Black farmers suffered systematic discrimination at the hands of the United States Department of Agriculture. 

Choosing the right civil rights legal team to handle your case is an important step in the legal process. Our firm has 10 years of experience in taking on tough civil rights cases and handling them aggressively. Contact the dedicated and experienced lawyers from Osborne and Francis online or by calling  (561) 293-2600. We are standing by to help you pursue your civil rights lawsuit. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What evidence will be necessary in pursuing my case and how can we gather it or preserve it?

Gathering strong evidence is crucial for a successful civil rights case. The type of evidence needed can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Typical evidence needed for civil rights litigation may include: witness testimony, documentation and records, photos and videos, surveillance footage, and body camera footage. 

It's crucial to gather evidence as soon as possible after the alleged civil rights violation occurs to preserve important information and documentation. A skilled civil rights attorney can help identify, collect, and preserve relevant evidence to build a strong case and protect your rights effectively.

What type of remedies can a civil rights attorney help me secure?

The legal remedies available for civil rights cases are very broad. A civil rights attorney can help you secure various types of remedies to address the harm caused by civil rights violations. The specific remedies available will depend on the nature of the violation, the applicable laws, and the facts of your case.

Will my case require litigation, or are there alternative dispute resolution options?

Whether a civil rights case requires litigation or can be settled through other means depends on the specific circumstances of the case as well as the preferences of the parties involved. In many civil rights cases, alternative dispute resolution methods may be attempted before resorting to formal litigation 

In either scenario, having a committed legal team on your side is in your best interest. Oftentimes, pursuing your claim with the aid of an attorney will result in a higher settlement or jury award.

When should I contact a civil rights attorney?

It is important to contact a civil rights attorney as soon as you think that your rights have been violated or that you are experiencing discrimination. 

It is important to note that there is usually a limited window for filing civil rights violation cases. This is known as a statute of limitations. In the state of Florida, the statute of limitations for a civil rights case will depend on the various facts and circumstances of your case. For most cases, the statute of limitations ranges between 1-4 years

Don’t wait for the statute of limitations to expire on your case. Contact the dedicated lawyers from Osborne and Francis online or by calling (561) 293-2600 to discuss your legal options and begin the litigation process.