Personal Injury and Police Excessive Force: Demanding Accountability for Abuse of Power

When Public Trust Is Violated, Legal Action Can Help Restore Justice

Police officers hold tremendous authority — with it comes a duty to act with integrity, restraint, and accountability. But when law enforcement uses excessive or unjustified force, the result is often traumatic physical injury, emotional harm, and long-lasting consequences for victims and their families.

At The Christian Contreras Firm, we represent individuals who have suffered serious personal injuries at the hands of police. We are committed to protecting civil rights, exposing abuse, and pursuing justice for those who have been wrongfully harmed by law enforcement.

What Is Police Excessive Force?

Excessive force occurs when a police officer uses more physical power than is reasonably necessary to control a situation. This is not only a violation of civil rights — it often results in serious personal injuries or even death.

Examples of excessive force include:

• Physical beatings, kicks, or punches after a suspect is subdued
• Unwarranted use of batons, tasers, or pepper spray
• Use of chokeholds or neck restraints, particularly after they’ve been banned
• Firing a weapon at an unarmed or non-threatening individual
• Failure to de-escalate a situation when other options are available

These actions can cause injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injury, organ damage, and psychological trauma, among others.

Personal Injury in the Context of Police Misconduct

When law enforcement officers violate the law or departmental policy, their actions may amount to both a civil rights violation and a personal injury claim. Victims of excessive force may experience:

• Physical harm: Fractures, lacerations, internal injuries, neurological damage
• Emotional harm: PTSD, anxiety, depression, insomnia
• Loss of liberty: False imprisonment, unlawful arrest, or illegal detention
• Long-term disability or loss of livelihood

These injuries often require extensive medical care, therapy, and time off work. Victims may also face lasting fear and mistrust of public institutions.

Legal Protections Against Police Misconduct

Federal and state laws offer victims a path to justice. Under 42 U.S. Code § 1983, individuals can sue government officials — including police officers — for violations of constitutional rights, such as:

• The Fourth Amendment (freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures)
• The Eighth Amendment (protection from cruel and unusual punishment)
• The Fourteenth Amendment (due process and equal protection)

California law further supports claims for battery, negligence, and violations of the Bane Act (Civil Code § 52.1), which protects against interference with civil rights through violence or threats.

Holding law enforcement accountable is a legal, moral, and societal imperative — and it starts by speaking up.

What Victims Can Recover

Individuals injured by police excessive force may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship or support (in some cases)
• Punitive damages (in cases of particularly egregious conduct)

While no amount of money can undo the trauma, financial compensation can help cover critical needs and signal that such abuse will not be tolerated.

How The Christian Contreras Firm Can Help

We understand how intimidating it can be to challenge a powerful institution like a police department. But you don’t have to face it alone.

Our firm provides:

• Experienced Advocacy: We’ve handled complex civil rights and personal injury cases involving law enforcement.
• Investigative Rigor: We partner with independent experts to examine body camera footage, medical records, and police reports.
• Community Awareness: We are committed to broader systemic justice — your case is not just about compensation; it’s about change.
• Compassionate Support: We listen to your story, honor your experiences, and help you find a path forward.

We don’t back down from difficult cases — we pursue them because they matter.

Take a Stand Against Police Violence

If you or someone you love has suffered personal injury at the hands of police, you have the right to pursue justice. The Christian Contreras Firm is here to amplify your voice, challenge abuse, and hold those in power accountable.

Reach out today for a confidential case review. Together, we can push back against excessive force and build a stronger foundation for justice in California.