Whenever a police officer fires a gun, it is the use of deadly force that is likely to kill or maim the officer’s target. Guns are extremely dangerous weapons, and not just if they hit a vital organ or artery. Any gunshot injury can result in serious conditions and complications that lead to death or a severely degraded quality of life.
For this reason, police officers may shoot at a suspect only if they reasonably believe the suspect poses an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to themselves or others. The use of deadly force in any other circumstance is unacceptable, and against the law.
Improper use of deadly force has far-reaching consequences. In addition to the grave injury caused to victims, it erodes the trust between police departments and the communities they serve. Putting a stop to improper use of force means looking carefully at every case, and holding officers accountable when their conduct violates a person’s rights.
Morgan & Morgan civil rights attorneys are fighting for justice and compensation for police shooting victims around the country. If you or a loved one was the victim of an unjustified police shooting, we want to fight for you too.
Death and Debilitation
The consequences of irresponsible and negligent police shootings are catastrophic. Just a single gunshot wound can cause:
- Death, whether immediately or days, weeks, or even months after the shooting.
- Spinal injuries that cause paralysis and the loss of motor functions.
- Loss of a limb.
- Loss of an organ.
- Extended time in a coma.
- Brain injuries.
- Facial disfigurement.
- Severe internal injuries requiring lifelong treatment.
All of these injuries cause severe pain and suffering, and the medical treatment costs plus the loss of income due to disability can add up to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. The loss of quality of life can also be quite serious and long-lasting.
A Fight We’re Ready For
Unfortunately, the first instinct of many police officers and police departments after an unjustified shooting occurs is to close ranks and protect the guilty officer from consequences. This means that the official report of the event submitted by the officers involved will often not match reality, and the department will often not make too great an effort to make sure that that report is accurate.
This makes pursuing a case against the police department very tricky. The first instinct of judges, prosecutors, and even juries is to trust the word of police officers. This extends to police shooting cases, where the victim is often someone accused of criminal conduct or who already has a criminal record.
But it’s not impossible. With the right resources and determination, the true facts of the case can be uncovered, collected, and presented, and justice can be won. Whether through negotiation with the police department or through a victory at trial, victims can find justice and the compensation they deserve.
This is the fight we’re built for at Morgan & Morgan. We’re the largest personal injury firm in the country, and our attorneys are always equipped with all the resources they need to take every case as far as it needs to go. That means the real possibility of justice for you and your family.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed by an unjustified police shooting, call us today. The consultation is always free and discreet, and our lines are open 24/7. If we take your case, you won’t be charged a penny until we win for you.
Don’t let them get away with this. With Morgan & Morgan at your side, justice and compensation can be in reach.