The United States has civil rights laws in place to protect people against discrimination over their age, disability, national origin, race, sex, or religion. Despite the law, there are still those who will mistreat you based on these and other protected characteristics, at which point, a lawyer can help you file a claim or lawsuit.
A Tallahassee civil rights lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help you determine if your rights were, indeed, violated before guiding you on the right course of action. If you have a strong case, Attorney Ben Crump and his team are ready to help. Get in touch at 800-658-8448 to schedule a free, initial consultation.
Civil Rights Are for Everyone
Civil rights pertain to a set of defined rights of people to receive equal treatment in specific situations, without any prejudice to some of their characteristics or attributes. For instance, Black people and Asian Americans should have the same opportunity for work, education, and housing as white people.
Though the Constitution, by and large, protects the rights of non-citizens, some rights are exclusive to citizens. These include the right to vote, run for office, and enter U.S. territory. In some cases, law enforcement can deport undocumented immigrants without a proper hearing.
U.S. Congress, however, passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which is considered a landmark law for prohibiting discrimination, segregation, and inequality of opportunities in employment, education, public accommodation, and voting.
Over the years, the legislature passed more laws to address other forms of abuse or mistreatment against civil rights. Some come in the form of federal court decisions, while others stem from state laws. These days, people have more fundamental rights and should get to exercise these without prejudice to who or what they are.
Civil rights are not limited to anti-discrimination. The law also encompasses other universal rights and freedom. For instance, freedom of speech, assembly, protest, and the right to due process, equal protection under the law, and against unreasonable search and seizure are also civil rights. A lawyer can help you protect your fundamental rights.
For a free legal consultation with a civil rights lawyer serving Tallahassee, call 800-658-8448
How Your Civil Rights Could Be Violated
Violation happens when an individual or the government suppresses your protected civil rights. But not all acts that restrict you are unlawful. Violations by the government include unlawful detention, false arrest, illegal confiscation of property, use of excessive force, and obstruction of justice.
Many people get confused about what is actually a civil rights violation—there is lawful discrimination, and it is not punishable by law.
For example, an employer rejects an African American job seeker because they lack the required credentials for the job. That would not be an unlawful act of discrimination. However, if the employer blocks the hiring of an applicant on the sole basis of their race or color, they have committed a civil rights violation.
If you believe an employer violated your rights on the job or as a job applicant, reach out to Ben Crump Law, PLLC to see how a Tallahassee civil rights lawyer can help you. Call today to have someone look into your case.
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Understand Your Options When You Experienced Mistreatment
Even with laws in place, civil rights violations continue to happen, albeit in varying degrees. It is not uncommon to hear about discrimination and abuse, especially from those at a disadvantage because of their race, gender, and even disability. Fortunately, you have several options to attempt to resolve the issue.
Settlement Negotiations
Your lawyer might be able to help your resolve the legal dispute through negotiation. Both parties can settle their differences by meeting privately and proposing an agreement amenable to each side. This method avoids a long-drawn, costly courtroom battle. Once you agree to a settlement, you give up the right to sue the other party.
Filing a Claim
Another approach you can take is to file a complaint at the overarching government agency. They will then investigate the matter thoroughly and enforce your civil rights once it was established that a violation has occurred. Certain civil rights cases require a formal complaint filed first before pursuing litigation.
Filing a Lawsuit
If you have suffered harm resulting from discrimination, mistreatment, or abuse, you can file a private lawsuit against those who committed a civil rights violation. However, discrimination can be hard to prove, often turning courtroom cases into long, drawn-out battles that are challenging for most people to deal with on their own. Before the trial begins, you have the option of hiring a civil rights lawyer.
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Why Work with a Civil Rights Lawyer
Legal issues like civil rights violations are complicated, and having a lawyer by your side might be beneficial to you. A lawyer can review the merits of your case, build your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if needed, take your case to court.
If you decide to proceed with litigation, understand that you are seeking damages for whatever harm or adverse effects of the civil rights violation—it could be a long battle, but it is one that we can stand by your side for. As your civil rights attorney, we will be there every step of the way throughout the legal process.
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Get Legal Support for Civil Rights Violation
Let a Tallahassee civil rights lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC help you in seeking justice for violating your protected rights. Our firm fights against inequalities and discrimination, including high-profile cases. They will help you file a claim in proving that an injustice has happened. While it can be a long, arduous process, they will be with you every step of the way.
The statute of limitations to seek civil remedies for a civil rights violation is one year from the violation, according to Fla. Stat. §760.11(1).
When you are ready to pursue damages, call 800-658-8448 to speak with one of their team members. You can also accomplish a free case evaluation form on the website to begin an assessment.
Call or text 800-658-8448 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form