Civil Rights Lawyers

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, Francis & Pettis 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.

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, Francis & Pettis 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, Francis & Pettis 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, Francis & Pettis online or by calling (561) 293-2600 to learn more about what you can do to pursue legal action.

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:

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• 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. 

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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. 

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.