What Are Some Examples Of Police Brutality?

Most people think of police brutality as the excessive use of force: body slams, punches, kicks, shooting or beating, for example. But this is merely one type of police brutality. Others include: Verbal abuse Wrongful arrest Unnecessary strip searches Sexual harassment Sexual assault Racial profiling Coercion to do something you do not want to, such as a sex act Blackmail No one deserves to have their rights violated by a law enforcement officer – even someone who committed an unlawful act.

Police Brutality Lawyer

GET LEGAL HELP

Home » Police Brutality Lawyer

Legally Reviewed by:

Sameer Chopra

READ BIO

Sameer Chopra is a founding partner at our firm and a successful trial lawyer with 17 years of experience standing up to large corporations, government entities, and wealthy landlords on behalf of injured individuals. He is a true New Yorker and recognized as one of the Nation’s Top One Percent of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

He was recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2017-2019 and then became a Super Lawyer from 2020 to present. He was also recognized as the 2021 Attorney of the Year by Top 100 Lawyers and was selected by Top Attorneys in North America as a distinguished Exclusive Presidents Circle Attorney for his continued excellence within the legal community. Sameer has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, including significant verdicts against the City of New York and/or their affiliated agencies, and independent insurance carriers.

Content Last Updated: September 2, 2025

ON THIS PAGE

New York police officers have a duty to serve and protect the public. Unfortunately, there are times when officers exceed their lawful authority, causing unnecessary harm or even severe injury. Standing up to this abuse of power can be daunting and emotionally exhausting. That’s why having an experienced New York police brutality lawyer on your side is so important. At Chopra & Nocerino Injury & Accident Lawyers, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights and hold law enforcement accountable for misconduct. We approach every case with the same determination, dedication, and care we would give to our own family.

Why Hire Chopra & Nocerino for Your Police Brutality Case?

Our attorneys bring over 20 years of combined experience and have secured millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients.

For instance, our NYC police brutality attorneys achieved a $2.25 million settlement from New York City after an NYPD detective grabbed our client’s arm while he was cycling. This incident caused our client to crash into a parked car, resulting in severe injuries that required at least three surgeries.

At Chopra & Nocerino, our personal injury lawyers speak in multiple languages, allowing us to communicate with you about your case in a way that feels most natural and comfortable for you. We offer services in Spanish, Greek, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Italian, and more.

Additionally, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case.

Why We Are Trusted by Our Clients

“Alex Nocerino and his professional team handled our case with diligence and care. Hopefully it won't be needed, but would def use his expertise again in the future. I spoke with several firms before choosing, and was impressed from the beginning. Give him a call and discuss your case, you have nothing to lose!”

“The team’s expertise, professionalism, and dedication were instrumental in my case. Christine, my attorney, approached every step of the process with care and compassion, always available to answer my questions and provide unwavering support. If you're looking for a skilled attorney who genuinely cares about their clients, look no further than Chopra and Nocerino. Thank you all.”

What Is Police Brutality?

Police brutality, sometimes called police misconduct, occurs when a law enforcement officer uses force that is excessive, unreasonable, or without legal justification. While officers have a duty to protect the public and enforce the law, they must do so within the limits set by the U.S. Constitution, New York law, and departmental policies. When those limits are crossed, victims have the right to seek accountability through the legal system.

Common Types of Police Brutality in New York

Common forms of police brutality include:

Excessive Force – When a law enforcement officer uses more force than is reasonably necessary to control a situation or make an arrest. This can include body slams, punches, kicks, shootings, and beatings.
Racial Profiling – A discriminatory practice that targets individuals for suspicion of crime solely based on their race, ethnicity, or national origin.
False Arrest – The restraint or detention of a person when there is no probable cause or valid arrest warrant.
Unlawful Searches and Seizures – When officers conduct a search or seizure without a warrant or legal justification.
Verbal Abuse – A type of police misconduct that uses language to intimidate, demean, or threaten others. An example of this would be when a police officer uses offensive slurs or names.

How To Pursue a Police Brutality Lawsuit in New York

There are several key steps to take when filing a police brutality lawsuit in New York. If you’ve suffered significant injuries due to police misconduct, our attorneys are ready to fight for your rights while you focus on your recovery.

Here are the steps involved in pursuing a New York police misconduct lawsuit:

Filing a Notice of Claim – An attorney can file this on your behalf. New York requires a written notice informing the municipality that you were involved in an accident or incident involving a person employed by the city.
Gathering Evidence – This can include witness statements, medical documents, body cam footage, photos of injuries, and more.
Filing a Complaint – In most cases, you must file your claim within one year and 90 days from the date of your injury.
Negotiations and Possible Trial

What Compensation Can You Receive From a Police Brutality Lawsuit?

If you have experienced police brutality, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. We understand how difficult this time can be, and our team is here to support you. We will work hard to secure the full value of your damages so that you can focus on healing and moving forward. Your well-being is our priority, and we are dedicated to standing by your side every step of the way.

Here are the types of damages you may be able to recover:

Economic damages

Economic damages compensates for monetary losses associated with your injury. This can include:

Medical Expenses – Covers hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for lost income and future earning capacity.

Non-Economic Damages

These are for intangible losses that reflect the injury’s impact on your quality of life. This means a monetary value can be assigned to things such as:

Pain and Suffering
Emotional Distress
Scarring and Disfigurement
Enjoyment of Life

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases involving especially egregious or intentional misconduct. Their primary purpose is to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future, rather than to compensate for specific losses.

In New York state court, punitive damages cannot be recovered against a municipality or government agency, such as the City of New York, due to public policy restrictions. However, they may be available against individual officers sued in their personal capacity, particularly in federal civil rights cases. If punitive damages are available in your case, they can significantly increase the total recovery. Your attorney can determine whether your facts meet the high legal standard required for this type of award.

Police Brutality in New York FAQs

How Long Do I Have To File a Police Brutality Lawsuit in New York?

In most cases, the New York statute of limitations for personal injury is three years.

However, when suing a New York government agency, you generally have one year and 90 days from the date of the injury to file your claim. If you’re dealing with a wrongful death case, the deadline extends to two years from the date of death for the representative of the deceased to file a lawsuit. Missing these deadlines could jeopardize your case.

New York has strict guidelines for victims attempting to recover damages from a local government agency. With Chopra & Nocerino at your side, you can be assured that your case will be filed correctly and promptly, so you can pursue the compensation you deserve.

Can I File a Lawsuit if I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule for personal injury and property damage cases, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for your injuries. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. In police misconduct or brutality cases, comparative fault can apply if part of your injury resulted from your own actions (for example, physically resisting a lawful arrest).

An experienced attorney can evaluate whether comparative fault could affect your recovery in your specific case.

Can I File a Lawsuit Against a Government Officer or Agency?

Yes. New York government officers or agencies can be sued for damages. Contact our attorneys today if you have questions about whether you can sue a government agency or officer for injuries you have suffered.

Get the Legal Help You Need After a Violent Police Encounter Today

The attorneys at Chopra & Nocerino are real New Yorkers who will stop at nothing to defend our clients and ensure their bills are paid. If you were injured by a police officer on duty, contact us online or call 855-NYC-HURT today for a free consultation.

WE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM OF