Suing for Injuries Caused by Police in New Jersey

These days, police brutality and excessive force are something that almost every American is familiar with. If you have not experienced it firsthand, you have probably seen news articles and headlines surrounding these frequent incidents. We all know that police can be violent, and in some ways, this is part of their job description. But in some situations, police act just like criminals and harm people without any justification. If you have been injured by a negligent police officer, you deserve the right to pursue legal action.

In many past cases, New Jersey residents have successfully sued police officers and police departments for their injuries. These injury lawsuits can result in financial settlements. You can use your settlement to pay for medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and any other damages you might have sustained. But how serious is this issue in New Jersey, and how can you pursue justice in the best possible way?

Robbinsville Police Hand Over $110,000 Settlement for Dog Attack

 Police have been using dogs to perform a number of roles for many years. These “K9 units” can be incredibly dangerous, as dogs are capable of extremely strong bites. The German Shepherd, a popular choice among police departments, can easily shatter and crush bones with a single bite. When children are attacked, the situation becomes much more serious. Recently, the Robbinsville Police Department settled a dog bite lawsuit for $110,000. This incident involved a girl who was attacked by a police dog, suffering severe facial injuries that required plastic reconstructive surgery.

According to the lawsuit, the dog was “off-duty” but in the custody of a police officer at the time. The girl was visiting the police officer’s home, and during this visit, she was bitten by the officer’s dog. Very little additional information was released to the public, although this shows how dangerous and out-of-control K9 units can be – even when they are not actively engaged in police work or being instructed to attack a suspect.

Jersey City Settles Police Brutality Lawsuit for $300,000

 In January of 2023, it was reported that a man was set to receive a $300,000 settlement from the municipality of Jersey City for a police brutality lawsuit. The incident involved a violent arrest which saw the man’s eye socket being broken. This plaintiff claimed that he was stopped by police for no apparent reason – without probable cause. He then asked the police to identify themselves, at which point, they apparently used excessive force.

Along with his economic damages, this victim claimed humiliation, disgrace, damage to his reputation, and mental anguish as non-economic damages. Not only that, but the plaintiff accused the police of trying to cover up the incident with an alternative story of what happened. Initially, he was charged with assault, resisting arrest, and drug offenses. However, these charges were later reduced to a misdemeanor disorderly persons offense. He pleaded guilty to that lowered offense.

The court noted:

“Video footage shows that plaintiff’s hands were covering his face during the encounter … Moreover, based on a review of the videos, it does not appear that plaintiff was attempting to escape or elude the officers. Nonetheless, plaintiff has provided sufficient ‘evidence supporting a conclusion that (Mendoza and Soto) are aware that evidence is incorrect or that the evidence is offered in bad faith.’”

 What to Do if You are Injured by a Police Officer

 If you have suffered injuries during a police interaction, avoid making any statements and contact a lawyer at your earliest convenience. Once you have teamed up with a legal professional, it becomes much easier to move forward with confidence. Your lawyer will help you gather evidence and negotiate a fair settlement. Do not accept a settlement until you have spoken with a lawyer.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney in New Jersey?

 If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Lependorf & Silverstein. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs seek fair compensation, and we know that negligent police officers are more than capable of causing serious harm to innocent people. Your best option is to book a consultation with us today to discuss your unique situation. From there, you can get started with an effective action plan and pursue justice for everything you have been forced to endure. Reach out today.