One of the greatest aspects of living in our democratic nation is the relatively long list of rights that every citizen and resident enjoys. However, just because your rights are legally protected under the U.S. Constitution and the law does not mean that they’re impervious to violations. If you believe that your human rights were violated by the government, an employer, or an individual, you may need to hire a civil rights violations attorney to get the justice you deserve. In South Florida, Long, Jean & Wechsler, P.A. represents individuals who have had their rights violated. We can help you collect damages for the violation that you experienced. Call today for a free consultation.
Understanding Civil Rights Violations
People are often under the misconception that only the government or an agent of government can violate their civil rights. While there are many examples of this type of violation, human rights violations can also occur at the hands of employers, organizations, and even other individuals.
Civil rights include free speech, the right to vote, the right to a fair trial, the right to public education, the right to use public facilities, etc. These rights cannot be denied based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or other personal characteristics.
Common examples of civil rights violations would include unlawful arrest or police harassment, employment discrimination, “redlining” (denying lodgings or services based on prejudice against a protected class), being denied educational opportunities based on being a member of a protected class, etc.Most people are aware when their human rights have been violated, even if they’re unfamiliar with the laws that protect those rights. If you believe that your rights were violated, contact LJW Legal for a free case analysis.
Types of Cases Handled By Civil Rights Lawyers
The following are cases that civil rights attorneys in South Florida handle for their clients.
Discrimination
It’s unlawful to use age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental handicaps, or sexual orientation as criteria for denial of service. While there are many watchdog agencies to enforce equal access, oftentimes, the plaintiff must prove the discrimination in court.
Police Misconduct
In order to sue a police officer or department for a human rights violation, it’s not necessary to show that their actions were the result of discrimination. The plaintiff must be able to demonstrate that while acting under the color of the law, the officer or officers violated a civil right. As it turns out, many police misconduct cases also revolve around the treatment of protected classes.
Free Speech Violations
The government cannot take action to suppress legal speech, such as censorship, retaliation, harassment, etc. Government is also prohibited from interfering with the right to peaceful assembly. For instance, a city government cannot deny a permit for a protest based on their disagreement with the reason for the assembly.
Violations of Religious Freedom
It’s illegal to interfere with an individual’s right to worship or a religious organization’s right to practice. It’s also unlawful to discriminate against a person based on their religion. Religious rights are protected to the degree that employers and schools must often make accommodations for practitioners of various faiths.
Voting Rights
The government cannot pass laws that are intended to limit the ability of specific groups of people to vote. Individuals cannot take action to deny voters access to polling places.
Disability Discrimination
Employers must make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees. For example, employers must have handicap-accessible restrooms, ramps for building access, or special equipment to allow disabled workers to perform their job.
LGBTQ+ Rights
Individuals cannot legally be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or status as a non-binary individual. Examples of this type of civil rights violation include denial of service, workplace discrimination, or harassment.
Education Rights
It’s unlawful to subject students to different criteria based on their being a member of a protected class. Violations can include denials of applications to a school or being discriminated against while a student is in an institution.
If you’ve been a victim of any of the above-described violations or you may require an attorney to fight for your rights. Contact LJW Legal today.
Legal Remedies and Options for Civil Rights Cases
The legal remedies available to you are largely dictated by the nature of the human rights violation. In the event of an individual employee or government agent violation, the remedy may be a simple complaint to their supervisor or department head. This does not mean that you aren’t still entitled to damages. However, the organization’s representatives may be quick to remedy the offense.
If you are experiencing educational or workplace discrimination, you may find that reporting the violation to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can effect change in the organization.
Another non-governmental organization that can be of assistance in civil rights cases is the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). This large organization frequently sues businesses and governments to protect the rights of individuals and groups.
Finally, a human rights violation attorney can provide you with the specific information and resources you need to correct the injustices against you and collect damages.
The Importance of Legal Representation in Civil Rights Matters
Even if you’ve filed a complaint with a government agency or watchdog group, you may require an attorney. Here are some things to consider when determining whether or not you need a lawyer when your civil rights have been violated.
- You may face retaliation – While you may successfully lodge a complaint and even correct the immediate behavior that violated your rights, an employer or government agency may retaliate against you. An attorney can ensure that your rights are protected now and in the future.
- You may be entitled to compensation – An attorney can assess your damages. While you may not have lost a great deal of money due to the violation, your emotional distress and inconvenience will warrant compensation.
- There may be an ongoing threat to the rights of others – An individual or organization may take measures to address your specific complaint while continuing the practices with respect to others. A human rights violation lawyer will investigate the practices of the individuals or organizations in question. This will ensure overall change.
- Legal processes – You may require temporary injunctions, accommodations, or other assistance while your case works its way through the system. An attorney can petition the courts to ensure that you are able to access the services you require while your case plays out.
Pompano Beach Civil Rights Attorneys
If you believe that you’re the victim of discrimination, police abuse, or some other type of civil rights violation, it’s time to fight back. As Civil Rights Lawyers in Pompano Beach, Long, Jean & Wechsler, P.A. champions individuals who have had their rights violated. Because we operate on a contingency basis, our clients do not have to pay out of pocket for our legal services. Contact us immediately to protect your rights and fight for compensation from those who violated them.
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