“Section 1983” Lawsuits Against Police Officers

Our firm is proud to have successfully represented many victims of civil rights violations in New York City.

At Nass, Roper, & Levin, PC, we specialize in bringing lawsuits against government officials who violate the civil rights of our clients. Courts award successful victims of civil rights violations damages in an effort to make them whole. Our firm is proud to have successfully represented many victims of civil rights violations in New York City.

What is a “Section 1983” Lawsuit?

The Civil Rights Act of 1871 (42 U.S.C. § 1983) allows citizens to sue the government for specific civil rights violations. Lawsuits arising under this federal statute are often referred to as “Section 1983” lawsuits.

For Section 1983 to apply, the defendant must have been acting “under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State or Territory or the District of Columbia” when he or she violated the plaintiff’s civil rights.

In other words, the civil rights violator must have been acting as a representative of the state when he or she violated the victim’s civil rights. Typically, New York police officers who violate people’s rights by using excessive force are considered to be acting on behalf of the government for the purposes of the law.

Similarly, if a police officer is arresting someone when they violate that person’s civil rights, a court will typically consider them to be acting under the color of state law. Thus, the person being arrested can sue the police officer for damages in a Section 1983 lawsuit.

Common “Section 1983” Civil Rights Violations

“Section 1983” allows a citizen to sue any person acting under color of state or local government; however, the most common “Section 1983” causes of action arise from police misconduct. We represent clients who have been injured due to police brutality, wrongful death caused by a police officer, and false arrest.

Getting Help for Your New York City Civil Rights Lawsuit

Has a government official or representative violated your civil rights? Are you unsure whether or not your case falls under the criteria of a “Section 1983” civil rights lawsuit? Would you like to seek compensation for injuries you incurred as a result of your civil rights being violated?

A successful Section 1983 Civil Rights Lawsuit requires the complaint to name the correct defendants and venue, state the claims effectively, and make the best legal arguments possible, which is why you need an experienced attorney for your civil rights lawsuits. Plaintiffs must also file their claim before the statute of limitations expires. Contact the Nass, Roper, & Levin, PC for expert legal help.