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Pasadena Excessive Force by Police Attorney

When law enforcement officers use more force than the law allows, the consequences can be life-changing. Victims may suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, emotional trauma, permanent disabilities, or even lose a loved one.

If you or a family member has been injured because of unnecessary or unreasonable force by police officers, sheriff’s deputies, correctional officers, or security personnel, you deserve answers—and you may have the right to pursue compensation.

At IE Injury Attorney, Attorney Arie Shamuilian is committed to helping individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated.

If you are searching for an excessive force police lawyer in Pasadena, our team can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Call 951-944-2292 today for a free consultation.

What Is Excessive Force?

Police officers are legally permitted to use force in certain situations. However, that force must be reasonable under the circumstances.

When an officer uses more force than necessary to make an arrest, restrain an individual, or respond to a situation, it may constitute excessive force.

Not every physical interaction with law enforcement is unlawful. Officers may use force when necessary to protect themselves or others, prevent escape, or make a lawful arrest.

The issue is whether the amount of force was objectively reasonable based on the facts known to the officer at that moment.

Examples of excessive force may include:

  • Punching or kicking someone who is already restrained
  • Continuing to strike an individual after they no longer pose a threat
  • Unnecessary use of Tasers
  • Improper use of batons
  • Chokeholds or neck restraints in situations where they are not justified
  • Shooting an unarmed or non-threatening person
  • Using force against children, elderly individuals, or people with disabilities without justification

If you believe an officer crossed the line, speaking with an experienced police brutality attorney California residents trust can help you understand whether your rights were violated.

Understanding Your Constitutional Rights

The United States Constitution protects every individual from unreasonable government actions.

Many excessive force claims arise under the Fourth Amendment, which protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures. Courts generally evaluate police conduct by asking whether the officer’s actions were objectively reasonable under the circumstances.

In other situations, additional constitutional protections may apply, particularly when force is used against incarcerated individuals or pretrial detainees.

When officers violate these protections, victims may have the right to pursue damages through federal civil rights laws.

Common Examples of Police Misconduct

Police misconduct can take many forms. Excessive force is only one example of conduct that violates an individual’s constitutional rights.

Some of the most common incidents include:

Unlawful Physical Assault

Officers sometimes continue using force after a suspect has already complied with commands. Once someone has surrendered or been handcuffed, continued punches, kicks, or strikes may be unlawful.

Unnecessary Taser Deployments

A taser excessive force lawsuit may arise when officers repeatedly deploy a Taser against someone who poses little or no threat.

Although Tasers are considered less-lethal weapons, they can cause:

  • Cardiac complications
  • Serious burns
  • Falls resulting in head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Neurological injuries

The legality depends on whether using the device was reasonable under the circumstances.

Improper Firearm Use

Deadly force is only justified under limited situations. If an officer shoots an individual who did not present an immediate threat of death or serious bodily harm, surviving victims or family members may have significant legal claims.

Police Beatings

Physical assaults involving repeated punches, kicks, knees, or baton strikes can leave victims with permanent injuries.

If you’ve suffered injuries from unnecessary violence, a police beating lawsuit lawyer can investigate body camera footage, witness statements, medical records, and department reports.

Wrongful Arrest and Excessive Force

Unfortunately, wrongful arrests and excessive force often happen together.

Someone may be:

  • Mistaken for another individual
  • Arrested without probable cause
  • Physically assaulted despite cooperating
  • Injured during an unlawful detention

In these situations, a wrongful arrest excessive force lawyer can determine whether multiple constitutional violations occurred.

Victims often suffer more than physical injuries. Many experience embarrassment, emotional distress, PTSD, lost wages, and damage to their personal relationships.

Can You Sue Police for Excessive Force?

One of the most common questions people ask is whether they can sue police for excessive force.

The answer depends on the facts of the incident.

Many cases involve lawsuits against:

  • Individual officers
  • Police departments
  • Municipal governments
  • Counties
  • Supervisors
  • Other government entities

These claims are often legally complex because government agencies have procedural protections and strict filing deadlines.

That makes early legal representation extremely important.

Federal Civil Rights Claims

Many excessive force cases are filed under Section 1983, a federal law allowing individuals to seek damages when government officials violate constitutional rights while acting under color of law.

Working with a knowledgeable 1983 civil rights attorney California residents trust can help ensure that important evidence is preserved before it disappears.

Evidence often includes:

  • Body camera footage
  • Dash camera recordings
  • Radio communications
  • Surveillance videos
  • Cell phone footage
  • Medical records
  • Internal investigation files
  • Witness statements

Obtaining this evidence quickly can significantly strengthen your case.

Police Misconduct Inside Jails

Excessive force is not limited to street encounters.

Individuals held in jails, detention centers, and correctional facilities also have constitutional protections.

A jail excessive force attorney may investigate incidents involving:

  • Assaults by correctional officers
  • Unnecessary restraints
  • Pepper spray misuse
  • Physical abuse during cell extractions
  • Deliberate indifference to injuries after force is used

Many victims feel powerless while incarcerated, but the law still protects them from abusive treatment.

Security Guards and Private Security Excessive Force

Not every excessive force case involves police officers.

Private security guards working at:

  • Shopping centers
  • Apartment complexes
  • Concert venues
  • Nightclubs
  • Sporting events
  • Hotels
  • Casinos

may also be liable when they use unreasonable force.

Depending on the circumstances, the security company, property owner, or employer may share responsibility for your injuries.

Injuries Frequently Seen in Excessive Force Cases

Victims often require extensive medical treatment.

Common injuries include:

  • Concussions
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Facial fractures
  • Broken ribs
  • Broken wrists
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Nerve damage
  • Dental injuries
  • PTSD
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Even injuries that appear minor immediately after the incident can develop into long-term medical conditions.

Seeking immediate medical care also creates important documentation that may support your claim later.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Every case is unique, but successful excessive force claims may include compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical treatment
  • Lost income
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disability
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Psychological counseling
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

In some cases, punitive damages may also be available to punish particularly egregious misconduct.

Building a Strong Case

Civil rights litigation requires careful preparation.

Your attorney may investigate:

  • Whether officers followed department policies
  • Body camera recordings
  • Officer disciplinary history
  • Training records
  • Witness testimony
  • Expert opinions
  • Medical documentation
  • Use-of-force reports

Many departments conduct internal investigations, but those findings do not necessarily determine whether you have a valid legal claim.

Independent investigation is often critical.

Why Choose IE Injury Attorney?

Excessive force cases are unlike ordinary personal injury claims.

They involve constitutional law, government immunity issues, federal court procedures, and aggressive defense attorneys representing government agencies.

Attorney Arie Shamuilian understands how devastating police misconduct can be for victims and their families. Our office takes the time to investigate every detail, preserve evidence, communicate with experts, and aggressively pursue accountability.

Whether your case involves police brutality, unlawful arrest, an unnecessary Taser deployment, or a use of force lawsuit police officers may be responsible for, we are prepared to protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the force used was excessive?

Not every arrest involving force is unlawful. Courts examine whether the officer’s actions were objectively reasonable under the specific circumstances. A lawyer can evaluate your case after reviewing the available evidence.

Is there a deadline to file a claim?

Yes. Claims involving government entities often have shorter deadlines than ordinary personal injury cases. Waiting too long may prevent you from recovering compensation.

What if I was arrested?

Being arrested does not automatically prevent you from filing an excessive force claim. Even if an arrest was lawful, officers must still use only reasonable force.

What evidence should I keep?

Preserve medical records, photographs of injuries, videos, witness information, clothing, and any communication related to the incident. Your attorney can also request additional evidence before it is lost.

Contact a Pasadena Excessive Force Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries because of unnecessary or unreasonable force by law enforcement or correctional officers, you do not have to face the legal process alone.

An experienced civil rights attorney police misconduct cases require can help investigate what happened, identify the responsible parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Attorney Arie Shamuilian and the team at IE Injury Attorney are dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals throughout Pasadena and surrounding communities.

Call 951-944-2292 today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we may be able to help you move forward after police misconduct or excessive force.

We hold security and police accountable
We handle serious injury and civil rights violations
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