NEW JERSEY CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS


Sometimes the police or other governmental actors go too far and violate the civil rights of New Jersey residents.  A common example is false arrest.  Another is some form of abuse while the victim is in the custody or care of a governmental actor, such as the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), or the State correctional system.  If the misconduct is serious, it may warrant a lawsuit for violation of the victim’s civil and constitutional rights to recover money damages.

Zack Whelan has experience on the defendant’s side of such cases.  He has represented a NJ deputy attorney general, the DCPP and a county prosecutor’s office on a malicious prosecution lawsuit.  He has represented the New Jersey Department of Corrections multiple times on claims involving excessive force and involuntary administration of medication.  Zack has also represented the New Jersey State Police and a state trooper in an excessive force and false arrest case.  He was in direct and regular contact with the State regarding the defense of these matters and has a good understanding of its policies, procedures and practices.

Chuck Whelan has experience on the plaintiff’s side of such cases, such as a settlement paid by a New Jersey municipal police department for arresting a motorist solely because he was African American.

Another case, in the Federal courts, involved a correctional facility’s negligence in overseeing an inmate’s consumption of prescription medication which the inmate hoarded and consumed in a suicide attempt.  Prior counsel handling the case faced a motion to dismiss the case until Chuck took over the case and removed it to Federal court.  There, our assertion of constitutional rights violations made all of the difference in recovery of a large settlement for our client.

It is important to note that any claim of negligence or personal injury against a public entity or employee requires the filing of a notice of tort claim with the responsible parties within 90 days of the incident, as mandated by the New Jersey Tort Claims Act.  Then a lawsuit may be filed after six months from the filing of the tort claims notice.

As experienced New Jersey civil rights attorneys, we know these cases from both sides, and can provide you with competent and caring representation, on a contingent fee basis, meaning that our fees are paid solely from any recovery in the lawsuit.

Give us a call today for your free consultation.

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The Whelan law firm has been committed to excellence for over 30 years. With offices located centrally in New Jersey, we are able to provide businesses and individuals with excellent legal services.

Watchung Office

475 Watchung Ave, Ste 8, Watchung NJ 07069

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