Police officers must follow the law when using force or making arrests. However, some encounters can cause serious injuries or violate people’s rights.
In Colorado, victims of police brutality may seek money for their losses through civil lawsuits. The amount they can recover depends on their injuries, expenses and what happened during the incident.
What damages can victims recover?
Victims may seek payment for financial losses and personal harm. Courts look at how the officer’s actions affected the victim’s health, income and daily life. Depending on the case, victims may recover money for:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, medication, physical therapy and further medical care.
- Lost income: Wages victims lose while recovering from their injuries.
- Reduced earning ability: Future income losses when injuries limit someone’s ability to work.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress and mental health problems caused by the incident.
- Loss of ability to enjoy life: The inability to enjoy hobbies, daily activities or relationships as before.
To recover these damages, victims must show how the officer’s actions caused their injuries and losses. Medical records, work records and other evidence can help prove their claims. Still, the amount of money victims may receive depends on the facts of each case.
What laws protect victims’ rights?
Colorado law allows victims to seek money when police officers violate their rights under the state constitution. They can sue officers who violate these rights while doing their jobs.
The law also covers officers who fail to stop another officer from violating someone’s rights. Officers cannot claim qualified immunity in these cases. This rule often protects government workers from certain lawsuits.
Victims who win their cases can also recover reasonable legal fees and court costs. However, they generally have two years to file a lawsuit.
How can victims protect their claims?
Since evidence plays a key role in these cases, victims should keep records of their injuries and losses. These may include medical reports, photos and witness contact details. Videos and police reports may also help show what happened.
An attorney can review this evidence and explain which laws may apply. Legal advice can also help victims meet filing deadlines and understand what compensation they may seek.