Civil Rights:
Be Free from Discrimination
By Michael Yoder, Esq. │ Updated August 6, 2021
What are Whistleblowers Protections and How Does the Process Work?
Federal and state constitutions guarantee you freedom from discriminatory and unlawful acts by the government or its agents. If you have been the victim of police misconduct, including racial profiling, discrimination, or excessive force, you need an experienced employer retaliation lawyer to protect your interests.
Your civil rights can be violated by a number of potential government actions including illegal searches and seizures, false imprisonment, and malicious prosecution. Fighting the government can be an intimidating experience, but at the The Law Office of Michael A. Yoder, PLLC, we have professional experience and a track record of success in representing people throughout throughout the country whose civil rights have been violated. Don’t wait any longer to seek legal help and begin protecting your rights.
What Are Some Examples of Civil Rights Cases?
1. Police misconduct: false arrest, racial profiling, unnecessary use of tasers, excessive force, and any type of police brutality.
2. Discrimination: based on race, gender, age, disability, national origin, religion, or political affiliation or involvement, and housing discrimination. This also includes victims of sexual harassment.
3. Constitutional rights: We advocate for people who have been victims of an illegal search or seizure under the Fourth Amendment or whose property has been seized without the compensation required by the Fifth Amendment. We also represent those who have suffered retaliation in employment as well as those legally exercising First Amendment benefits to freedom of speech, religion, protest, or assembly.
4. Detainment and Jail Conditions: We handle claims involving prisoners’ rights, prisoner abuse, false imprisonment, and malicious prosecution.
According to the OHR, during the fiscal year 2019, there were 1,598 completed complaint forms filed with the office. This resulted in more than 450 docketed cases, and $2.5 million awarded in settlements through mediation. Workplace discrimination was the most common area of discrimination, with sex and disability being the most commonly cited protected traits in discrimination reports. If you believe you may have grounds for a complaint, contact a Washington, D.C. civil rights lawyer today.
What Can You Expect to Recover in a Civil Rights Lawsuit?
If you believe you have been denied housing, employment, or other basic rights, or you believe you have been unfairly targeted because of your race, color, religion, sex, or other trait protected by the Human Rights Act, you may be able to sue for damages.
1. Lost Wages: If you were terminated by your employer or lost paid time from work for reasons protected under the Human Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Whistleblower Protection Act, or other state and federal laws, you may be able to sue for lost wages, both past and future. This may also include benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, and even retirement.
2. Pain and suffering: Of course, having your rights infringed upon is undoubtedly a traumatic experience. If you have suffered emotional distress or physical pain as a result of discrimination, you may be entitled to financial awards for medical bills, permanency, and other non-economic damages such as garden variety emotional distress.
3. Punitive damages: Sometimes, the conduct is so egregious the law provides an additional remedy as a means to punish bad actors who act intentionally, willfully, or with recklessness, depending on the claim. If so, you may be entitled to an award of punitive damages in addition to the compensatory damages to which you already have a claim.
Stay in Touch
Sign up for our latest case updates and news letters regarding constitutional issues around the country