Police Brutality Attorney in NYC
A police brutality attorney helps people who have been physically harmed, falsely arrested, or had their civil rights violated by law enforcement officers. At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., we've spent 37+ years holding police accountable for excessive force, wrongful arrests, and misconduct across New York City. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
When police cross the line, beating you while handcuffed, using chokeholds, shooting unarmed civilians, or violating your constitutional rights, the physical and emotional trauma can be devastating. You might feel powerless going up against the police department, but you're not. Federal and state laws protect you from police abuse, and we know how to fight these cases.
We've recovered $250,000 for an 18-year-old who was beaten by two NYPD officers while lying face-down and handcuffed, suffering a broken nose and permanent facial disfigurement. We've handled false arrest claims, excessive force cases involving serious injuries, and civil rights violations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.
The police have powerful unions, experienced defense attorneys, and internal review processes designed to protect officers. You need an attorney who won't back down. Call 212-725-8500 for a free consultation with a New York City personal injury attorney who fights for victims of police misconduct.
Who Needs a Police Brutality Attorney in New York City?
You need a police brutality attorney if police officers used excessive force against you, causing physical injuries like broken bones, head trauma, bruising, or worse. Common situations include being beaten or assaulted while handcuffed or restrained, being choked or placed in a prohibited chokehold, being shot or tased without justification, suffering sexual assault or harassment by officers, being falsely arrested without probable cause, or having your property illegally searched or seized.
Victims come from all walks of life across New York City. We represent people wrongfully stopped and frisked in Brooklyn or the Bronx, individuals beaten during arrests in Manhattan, protesters injured by police in Queens, people falsely imprisoned after being wrongly identified, witnesses to police shootings seeking justice, and families of loved ones killed by police. If officers violated your constitutional rights, caused you physical or emotional harm, or arrested you without legal justification, you have the right to hold them accountable.
Many victims hesitate to come forward because they fear retaliation, think no one will believe them over a police officer's word, worry about being blamed for "resisting," or don't know their rights were violated. Don't let fear silence you, the law protects you from retaliation, and we've successfully challenged police testimony countless times.
What to Expect When You Hire Us
Our process protects your rights while building a strong case against the officers and departments responsible. Here's what happens when you call 212-725-8500:
Step 1: Confidential Free Consultation
We listen to your story in a private, judgment-free setting. You'll describe what happened, we'll review any evidence you have (photos of injuries, medical records, witness information), and we'll give you an honest assessment of your case and legal options.
Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation
Police brutality cases require fast action because evidence disappears. We immediately send preservation letters demanding the police department save all body camera footage, dashboard camera recordings, 911 call recordings, and internal reports. We also identify and interview witnesses before memories fade.
Step 3: Thorough Investigation
We obtain police reports and arrest records, subpoena body camera and surveillance footage, review medical records documenting your injuries, consult with use-of-force experts and medical professionals, investigate the officers' disciplinary history (prior complaints, excessive force incidents), and examine department policies and training records.
Step 4: Filing Your Claims
We file claims under federal civil rights laws (Section 1983 claims for constitutional violations) and state laws (assault, battery, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution). If you were injured, we pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you were falsely arrested, we seek damages for wrongful imprisonment and violation of your rights.
Step 5: Aggressive Representation
We handle all negotiations with the city's law department and police union attorneys. We're prepared to take your case to trial if they won't offer fair compensation. Our 37+ years of courtroom experience includes winning verdicts and settlements against police departments and municipalities throughout New York.
Benefits of Hiring a Police Brutality Attorney
Justice and Accountability
Holding police accountable isn't just about money, it's about justice and preventing future abuse. When we win a case, it sends a message that officers can't violate people's rights without consequences. We've helped clients receive compensation while also exposing officers with histories of misconduct and forcing policy changes. Your case might prevent the same officers from hurting someone else.
Maximum Compensation for Your Damages
You can recover money for medical expenses (emergency room visits, surgery, hospitalization, therapy, future treatment), lost income (time missed from work, future earning capacity if you can't return to your job), pain and suffering (physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression), and punitive damages (additional money designed to punish the officers for intentional misconduct). We've secured $250,000 for a young man beaten by officers while handcuffed, covering his medical costs, criminal defense expenses, and compensation for his permanent facial injuries and emotional trauma.
Protection Throughout the Process
Police brutality victims often face criminal charges filed in retaliation or to justify the officers' actions. We work with criminal defense attorneys to protect you on both fronts, ensuring your civil rights case doesn't compromise your criminal defense. We also shield you from intimidation tactics, handle all communications with police and city attorneys, and document any retaliation attempts. You'll never face the department alone.
Common Questions About Police Brutality Cases in NYC
What counts as police brutality or excessive force?
Police brutality occurs when officers use more force than necessary to control a situation, causing you physical harm or violating your constitutional rights. Examples include beating or striking you when you're not resisting, using chokeholds or neck restraints (banned in New York since 2020), shooting unarmed individuals who pose no threat, and using tasers or pepper spray excessively. Other forms include sexual assault or harassment, false arrest without probable cause, malicious prosecution (pursuing criminal charges they know are false), illegal searches or seizures, and racial profiling or discriminatory treatment.
The key question is whether the force was "objectively reasonable" under the circumstances. Officers can use force to protect themselves or others from harm, but they can't beat someone who's already restrained, shoot someone who's fleeing and unarmed, or punish you for "disrespecting" them. If you suffered injuries from police and weren't actively threatening anyone, you likely have a case. Call 212-725-8500 for a free evaluation.
How do I prove police used excessive force against me?
You prove excessive force by showing the officers' actions were unreasonable given the situation and caused you harm. Evidence includes medical records documenting your injuries (broken bones, bruises, lacerations, internal injuries), photographs of injuries taken immediately after the incident, video footage from body cameras, dashboard cameras, surveillance cameras, or bystander cell phones, and witness statements from people who saw what happened. Additional evidence includes the police report (which often contradicts the truth or omits key facts), 911 call recordings, officers' disciplinary histories, and expert testimony from use-of-force specialists.
We gather all available evidence and use it to reconstruct what happened. Body camera footage is especially powerful, in one case, we represented a client beaten while handcuffed, and the video evidence was undeniable. Even without video, medical evidence showing injuries inconsistent with the officers' story can prove your case. Don't assume you have no evidence just because you didn't record it yourself, we know where to find proof.
What if I was arrested and charged with resisting arrest or assaulting an officer?
You can still pursue a police brutality case even if you were arrested and charged with crimes like resisting arrest, assaulting an officer, or obstructing governmental administration. Police often file these charges to justify their use of force or retaliate against victims who fight back in self-defense. These charges don't automatically mean you can't win a civil rights case, in fact, they often indicate the officers are trying to cover up their misconduct.
We work closely with criminal defense attorneys to protect you on both fronts. Winning or getting charges dismissed in criminal court strengthens your civil case, but even if you're convicted, you might still recover compensation if the force used was excessive. For example, even if you technically "resisted," officers can't beat you senseless while you're handcuffed. We've helped clients facing criminal charges recover settlements while their criminal cases were pending. Call 212-725-8500 to discuss both your criminal and civil options.
How long do I have to file a police brutality lawsuit?
You have three years from the date of the incident to file a federal civil rights lawsuit under Section 1983. However, if you're suing the City of New York, NYPD, or any city agency, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the incident. This notice is a detailed written statement describing what happened, when, where, and what injuries you suffered. Missing this 90-day deadline can permanently bar your case.
Don't wait to call an attorney. Evidence disappears quickly, body camera footage may be deleted, witnesses forget details, and injuries heal (making them harder to document). The sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case becomes. Even if the 90-day deadline has passed, call us anyway at 212-725-8500, in some cases, we can argue for an exception. But the safest approach is to call immediately after the incident.
Can I sue individual police officers or just the police department?
You can sue both individual officers and the police department (and the City of New York). Under federal law (Section 1983), you sue the officers personally for violating your constitutional rights. Under state law, you sue for assault, battery, false imprisonment, and other civil claims. You can also sue the police department and city under theories like failure to train, failure to supervise, or municipal liability if they had policies or customs that led to your injuries.
Suing both the officers and the department is important because officers often have limited personal assets, but the city has much deeper pockets. We pursue all available defendants to maximize your compensation. In some cases, we also sue supervisors or commanders who knew about an officer's history of misconduct but failed to intervene. Our strategy is to hold everyone accountable who played a role in violating your rights.
What if there were no witnesses or video of what happened?
You can still win a police brutality case even without witnesses or video, though it's more challenging. Your testimony is evidence, and juries often believe victims over police when the physical evidence supports your story. Medical records showing the severity and location of your injuries can contradict the officers' version of events. For example, if you have injuries to the back of your head and officers claim you were facing them and fighting, that inconsistency helps your case.
We also investigate the officers' backgrounds, prior excessive force complaints, disciplinary records, and patterns of similar misconduct strengthen your credibility. Expert witnesses can testify that your injuries are inconsistent with the officers' story or that their use of force violated department policy. Finally, police reports often contain inconsistencies or suspicious omissions that we can exploit. Even in "he-said, she-said" cases, we've won compensation for clients. Don't give up, call 212-725-8500 for an honest assessment.
Will I face retaliation for suing the police?
Federal and state laws prohibit retaliation against people who file police misconduct complaints or lawsuits. If officers or the department retaliates against you, through harassment, additional arrests, surveillance, or threats, that retaliation becomes a separate legal claim that can increase your damages. We document all retaliation attempts and use them to strengthen your case.
That said, we take retaliation concerns seriously and advise you on how to protect yourself. We handle all communications with the police and city attorneys so you don't have direct contact. We also work with your employer if needed to ensure you're not fired or discriminated against for pursuing your case. Your safety and well-being are our priorities. If you're worried about retaliation, discuss it with us during your free consultation, we'll develop a strategy to keep you safe while fighting for justice.
How much is a police brutality case worth?
Your case value depends on the severity of your injuries, the egregiousness of the officers' conduct, whether you have permanent disabilities, the amount of medical treatment required, how much work you missed, and the strength of your evidence. Cases involving minor injuries and no permanent harm might settle for tens of thousands of dollars, while cases with serious injuries, permanent disabilities, or egregious conduct can be worth hundreds of thousands or millions.
We've secured $250,000 for a young man beaten by officers while handcuffed, suffering a broken nose and permanent facial disfigurement. Other factors that increase value include clear video evidence, officers with prior misconduct histories, racially motivated conduct, and cases that receive media attention. During your free consultation at 212-725-8500, we'll give you an honest estimate based on the specific facts of your case and our 37+ years of experience with excessive force claims.
What if the police violated my rights but I wasn't physically injured?
You can still recover compensation even without physical injuries if your constitutional rights were violated. False arrest (being arrested without probable cause) entitles you to damages for the time you were imprisoned, even if it was just hours in a holding cell. Illegal searches or seizures violate your Fourth Amendment rights and can result in compensation. Malicious prosecution (being charged with crimes without evidence) allows you to recover for the stress, attorney's fees, and time spent fighting false charges.
While cases with physical injuries typically result in larger settlements, civil rights violations alone have value. The law recognizes that having your freedom and dignity violated causes real harm. We've handled cases involving false arrest with no physical injuries that still resulted in meaningful compensation. If police violated your rights in any way, you deserve justice. Call 212-725-8500 to discuss your situation, we'll tell you honestly whether you have a case.
Do I need a lawyer, or can I file a complaint with the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB)?
You should do both, file a CCRB complaint AND hire an attorney to pursue a lawsuit. The CCRB is an independent agency that investigates complaints against NYPD officers, but they can only recommend disciplinary action, they can't award you money. Filing a CCRB complaint is free and creates an official record of the misconduct, which strengthens your lawsuit. However, the CCRB process is separate from a lawsuit and doesn't compensate you for your injuries.
An attorney files a lawsuit that can result in financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. We've found that CCRB complaints often support our cases by documenting the officers' misconduct in an official investigation. We can help you file the CCRB complaint while simultaneously pursuing your lawsuit. Don't rely on the CCRB alone, they can't pay your medical bills or lost wages. Call 212-725-8500 to pursue both avenues for justice.
How much does it cost to hire a police brutality attorney?
It costs nothing upfront to hire Michael Gunzburg, P.C. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict, typically one-third, and comes out of the money we win for you. You pay nothing out of pocket, no hourly rates, no retainer fees, and if we don't win, you don't owe us anything.
This fee structure ensures everyone can access experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation. We know that police brutality victims are often dealing with medical bills, lost income, and criminal defense costs, you shouldn't have to worry about attorney fees on top of that. Your initial consultation is completely free with no obligation. Call 212-725-8500 to discuss your case. You have nothing to lose and justice to gain.
Will my case go to trial, or will it settle?
Most police brutality cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it's going to trial from day one. This trial-ready approach strengthens our negotiating position and shows the city's attorneys we're serious. The city typically prefers to settle rather than risk a large jury verdict and negative publicity, especially when the evidence clearly shows misconduct.
However, if the city won't offer fair compensation, we won't hesitate to take your case to trial. We have 37+ years of courtroom experience presenting cases to juries, cross-examining police officers, and winning verdicts. Whether through settlement or trial, our goal is to maximize your compensation and hold the officers accountable. You'll make the final decision about whether to accept any settlement offer, we'll never pressure you to settle for less than you deserve.
Areas We Serve
Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents victims of police brutality throughout New York City and surrounding areas. We handle excessive force and civil rights cases in all five boroughs, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Our office is accessible to clients from every neighborhood, including Harlem, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Jamaica, Fordham, and communities across NYC where police misconduct occurs most frequently. Whether your incident happened during a traffic stop, in a precinct, on the street, or in your home, we're here to fight for your rights. Call 212-725-8500 to speak with an experienced New York City personal injury attorney who holds police accountable.
Other Personal Injury Services We Offer
At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., we handle all types of personal injury cases throughout New York City:
- Car Accident Lawyer
- Truck Accident Lawyer
- Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Slip and Fall Lawyer
- Wrongful Death Lawyer
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If police violated your rights or used excessive force against you, don't wait to get help. Evidence disappears quickly, and strict deadlines could bar your case if you miss them. You have the right to hold officers accountable, and you don't have to face the police department alone.
Call 212-725-8500 now for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced police brutality attorney. We'll listen to your story, review your evidence, and explain your legal options at no cost and with no obligation. Remember: you pay nothing unless we win your case.
After 37+ years fighting for victims of police misconduct in New York City, we know what it takes to win. We've recovered substantial compensation for clients just like you, and we're not afraid to take on the police department. Your fight for justice starts with one phone call.
Michael Gunzburg, P.C. – Get the Big Gunz™