- Civil rights protect individuals from discrimination, abuse of power, and unequal treatment in essential areas of daily life.
- Violations can occur in employment, housing, education, policing, healthcare, voting, and other public or government-regulated settings.
- Victims of civil rights violations may be entitled to compensation and corrective legal action under state and federal law.
Legally Reviewed By:
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Kajal Alemo
Partner
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Kajal Alemo is the Chair of Workers’ Compensation Operations at Pond Lehocky. A tireless advocate for injured and disabled workers, she is involved in every single aspect of our workers’ compensation practice and ensures our clients are receiving the best legal services possible.
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The Constitution of the United States, as well as numerous state and federal laws, provide for certain civil rights: freedoms that every person is entitled to and which cannot be infringed upon by governments, businesses, or private individuals.
The purpose of civil rights is to ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to participate in civil society and go about their lives without fear of discrimination, repression, violence perpetrated against them, or undue burdens.
Any individual that has been singled out unfairly — such as by being turned down for a job, apartment, loan, or other opportunity — for no other reason than because of a protected personal characteristic has had their civil rights violated and may be entitled to file a legal claim and be awarded compensatory damages or other corrective actions.
Types of Civil Rights
There are numerous laws, many of which are enshrined in the Bill of Rights (the first ten Amendments to the U.S. Constitution), that protect civil rights. Many have also been established by state and federal statutes or determined to be constitutionally required by the Supreme Court.
Those rights include the right to privacy, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and freedom of movement. Americans also have political rights, such as the right to a fair trial, due process under the law (which means the government has to follow its laws correctly), and the right to seek legal remedies when an individual has been wronged. Additionally, eligible citizens have the right to vote without interference. Justified self-defense is also a civil right.
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Workers Compensation Injury
$1.3M
Client, a machine operator, suffered a serious hand injury while working. We pursued both workers’ compensation and third-party liability claims, securing a $1.3 million settlement.
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Workers Compensation (Hand Injury)
$1.3M
Client’s right hand was crushed under heavy machinery, resulting in permanent damage. Our firm fought for both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims, securing a $1.3 million settlement.
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General Injury (Premises Liability)
$1.5M
Client was injured while working at a premises in New Jersey. We held the responsible parties accountable and secured a $1.5 million settlement.
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General Injury (Slip and Fall)
$1.5M
Client slipped on black ice at a Walmart in Carlisle, PA, resulting in serious back injuries. Our firm secured $1.5 million in settlement for the client’s medical expenses, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
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General Injury (Premises Liability)
$1.75M
Client was injured while making a delivery. The accident occurred due to unsafe conditions at the workplace. We successfully recovered a $1.75 million settlement for our client.
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General Injury (Premises Liability)
$1M
Client sustained a serious knee injury while working at a remodel job site. After extensive negotiations, we secured a $1 million settlement for the client.
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Slip and Fall Injury
$2.2M
Our client slipped and fell on unmaintained property at Villanova University. We held the responsible parties accountable and obtained a $2.2 million settlement to cover medical costs and other damages.
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Asbestos Exposure (Mesothelioma)
$2.475M
Client was diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of workplace asbestos exposure. We fought for justice and secured a $2.475 million settlement to cover medical expenses and compensation for pain and suffering.
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Automobile Accident
$3.3M
Our client was injured in a car accident when another driver made an illegal U-turn. We secured compensation for our client’s physical injuries, pain, suffering, and loss of income.
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Workers Compensation Injury (Foreman Injury)
$570K
Client was injured at work and required ongoing medical care. Our firm successfully helped our client receive a $570,000 settlement.
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General Injury (Traumatic Brain Injury)
$30M
Client sustained a traumatic brain injury while on a construction site. The injury occurred while setting up equipment, and our client received a $30 million settlement to cover medical costs, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
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Our client suffered severe complications due to a medical error. We helped to hold the responsible parties accountable and secured a multi-million dollar settlement for the victim.
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Construction Injury
$3.5M
Client was injured while working on a construction site. We were able to secure a $3.5 million settlement for our client, covering both medical expenses and lost wages.
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Automobile Accident (Pedestrian)
$600K
Client was struck while crossing the street and suffered serious injuries. We secured $600,000 in compensation.
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Client filed a wage and hour claim against their employer for unpaid overtime. Our client received a $668,000 settlement after holding the employer accountable.
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General Injury (Premises Liability)
$675K
Client suffered a back injury after slipping on ice at a commercial property. Our client was awarded a $675,000 settlement to cover their medical bills and lost wages.
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A client with ongoing workers’ compensation injuries sought a third-party claim. We secured a $675,000 settlement on their behalf.
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Workers Compensation Injury (Arm Injury)
$750K
Client’s arm was injured at work when a steel door slammed on it. We secured a $750,000 settlement for ongoing medical care and lost wages.
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General Injury (Back Injury)
$750K
Client sustained a back injury while working at a construction site. We successfully recovered a $750,000 settlement for the client.
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Medical Malpractice (Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis)
$750k
Client was misdiagnosed with a prostate condition, leading to delayed treatment. Our firm helped to secure a $750,000 settlement to compensate for the pain and suffering caused by the delay.
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Automobile Accident
$800K
Client was injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver. We secured a settlement to cover medical treatment and other damages.
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General Injury (Slip and Fall)
$890K
Client slipped and fell while delivering products at a customer’s location. Our firm secured a $890,000 settlement for the client’s medical bills and lost wages.
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General Injury (Third-Party Claim)
$900K
A client suffered a work-related injury but sought compensation from a third-party due to unsafe work conditions. Our team negotiated a $900,000 settlement.
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General Injury (Slip and Fall)
$925K
Client slipped and fell on a poorly maintained surface at a commercial property. We fought for justice and secured a settlement for the client.
Common Civil Rights Violations
- Police brutality: Excessive use of force such as a Taser, pepper spray, or other tools or techniques when subduing a suspect
- Racial profiling: Targeting an individual specifically because of their race or ethnicity
- False arrest and/or imprisonment: An arrest or imprisonment made under false pretenses or without probable cause, or an individual being overcharged for a crime
- Abuse of government power: Denial of due process or abridgment of a protected right, such as the right to free speech
- Unlawful restraint of a student by a teacher
- Political firings: Retaliation by a political figure against an employee that expresses a differing political view
- Workplace harassment based on a protected characteristic
- Unlawful seizure of property: The taking or condemning of property by the government (especially a home) without fair notice and a fair hearing
Rely on an Experienced And Committed Civil Rights Team
The legal framework that protects civil rights is a complex patchwork that may involve several different federal agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as state agencies.
Pond Lehocky Giordano can help you navigate the daunting legal process of getting the redress you deserve if your civil rights have been violated. Our expert attorneys will investigate your case and assist you in winning compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and correct wrongs suffered in violation of your civil rights.
Your physical and emotional wellbeing, your safety, and your right to be an active and free member of society are protected by many civil rights in the United States. If you believe your rights were violated, please contact the experienced attorneys at Pond Lehocky Giordano at 1-800-568-7500 or by filling out the form on this page to see if you have a case.
