Police Shootings and Excessive Force: Fighting for Justice When the System Fails

What Is Excessive Force?

Excessive force occurs when police officers use more physical power than is necessary under the circumstances. While law enforcement is granted discretion to maintain order, that discretion is not unlimited—and when it is abused, lives are forever changed.

Excessive force can include:

• Unjustified or disproportionate use of deadly weapons
• Multiple shots fired without cause
• Physical assault during or after restraint
• Use of tasers or batons in non-threatening situations
• Failing to de-escalate encounters with mentally ill or unarmed individuals

When excessive force results in serious injury or death, families deserve answers—and justice.

Police Shootings: When Force Turns Fatal

In far too many cases, excessive force ends in police shootings. Victims may be:

• Unarmed individuals
• People experiencing a mental health crisis
• Children or vulnerable adults
• Bystanders caught in an unjustified escalation

These shootings often happen without proper investigation or public transparency, leaving families devastated and without closure.

Our firm works with families to conduct independent investigations, uncover body cam footage, and challenge official narratives. We fight to expose misconduct and force accountability through civil rights litigation.

Your Rights After a Police Shooting

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a police shooting or serious injury at the hands of law enforcement, you may have a right to pursue legal action under federal and state civil rights laws.

This can include claims for:

• Wrongful death
• Use of excessive or unreasonable force
• Violations of Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights
• Failure to intervene by other officers
• Denial of medical care while in custody

Legal action not only helps families seek justice—it also puts public pressure on police departments to change policies and prevent future tragedies.

Why You Need a Civil Rights Attorney

Cases involving law enforcement are complex and often face powerful resistance. Police departments, unions, and municipalities have strong legal defenses. Victims need equally strong representation.

At The Christian Contreras Firm, PLC, we are not intimidated by powerful institutions. We bring deep experience, legal precision, and unshakable commitment to our clients—whether that means negotiating a meaningful settlement or taking the case all the way to trial.

Our mission is clear: hold law enforcement accountable and protect the rights of every Californian.

Justice Begins With Your Voice

We know taking legal action can be overwhelming, especially after trauma or loss. But we’re here to walk with you every step of the way—with compassion, clarity, and resolve.

You have the right to be heard. You have the right to answers. And you have the right to fight for justice.

📍 Located at 360 E. 2nd St., Los Angeles, California, The Christian Contreras Firm, PLC is proud to offer accessible, empathetic legal support to families across California and beyond.

📞 Contact us today at (323) 435-8000 for a free consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward healing, accountability, and lasting justice.