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Our firm focuses on getting top dollars settlements and recoveries against police, municipalities and other entities for civil rights violations and use of excessive force. 

Police and Governmental Misconduct

We handle claims for excessive force and police brutality.  These can start out in any number of ways:

  • An alleged roadway violation

  • A neighbor calling the police – A conflict at a bar

  • The alleged violation of a PFA

  • A custody transfer that results in police involvement

  • Alleged drug sale

  • Or many other scenarios.

The situation may escalate until victim is the subject of police brutality via blunt force, baton, a Taser (see below) or shooting. We have even represented a home owner in her civil claim against the police and municipality for the shooting of her dog, which had been confused with a vicious” animals).

Getting a Recovery

We seek a recovery to compensate you (or a loved one) for suffering excessive force in numerous forms, such as getting punched, struck by Taser impulse, stun gun, baton, or taking a bullet from the discharge of a firearm (a gun, pistol, or shotgun).

Standing By You

The police often blame the accused for all resulting injuries from the incident. It is therefore crucial for the attorney seeking a civil recovery in these matters to understand exactly why and how the police became involved in the first place and what amount of force (if any) on their part was warranted. Fortunately, our firm includes a criminal defense lawyer (a former prosecutor) and a civil litigation section of attorneys to maximize your recovery. Our firm is experienced and successful at litigating injury, fraud, and other damage claims (and defenses) throughout Western PA.

Great Communication

A good lawyer is a great communicator. We talk to you every step of the way.

Call or Email Any Time.

412.780.0008

 

 

 

 

 

 

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http://www.taser.com/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TaserWhat is a “Taser”? A Taser is an electroshock weapon that utilizes an electrical current to disrupt control of muscles. The company Taser International created and marketed the device; hence, the name “Taser” is both a brand and a registered trademark. A Taser creates “neuromuscular incapacitation,” which involves stimulation of one’s sensory nerves and motor nerves, resulting in strong involuntary muscle contractions.How Do They Work? The Taser fires two small electrodes that resemble darts, which remain connected to the main unit by conductive wire. The electrodes are propelled by small compressed nitrogen charges like a “BB” gun or paintball gun.The air cartridge contains a pair of electrodes and propellant for a single shot and is replaced after each use. The maximum range is 35 feet; however, cartridges available to non-law enforcement consumers are limited to 15 feet. The electrodes are pointed to penetrate clothing and barbed to prevent removal once in place. Earlier Taser models had difficulty in penetrating thick clothing; that said, the newer versions (X26, C2) use a “shaped pulse” that increases effectiveness in the presence of barriers.What Does Each Burst Involve? Currently, Tasers are activated in automatic five second bursts according to programming, although the police officer can stop the energy charge at any time via the safety switch. The charge can be prolonged for longer than five seconds if the trigger is held down continuously. The operator may also inflict repeated shock cycles with each pull of the trigger as long as both barbs remain attached to the subject. The only technical limit to the number or length of the electrical cycles is the life of the battery, which can be ten minutes or more.What is the short and long term impact? Allegedly, Tasers do not rely only on pain compliance (except when used in Drive Stun mode, supposedly) but the pain can be severe. Make no mistake: the recipient feels pain, and can be momentarily paralyzed while an electric current is being applied. A host of short-term consequences (involuntary urination and defecation) and longer term consequences can result, including but not limited to injuries sustained while collapsing and/or convulsing. Those struck by a Taser also feel humiliation, mental distress, and may experience post traumatic stress disorder symptoms and (such as frequent nightmares) during the weeks or months that follow.Applying electroshock devices to more sensitive parts of the body is even more painful. For maximum restraint, the Taser user will aim for the upper shoulder, below the rib cage, and the upper hip – all very sensitive areas. High voltages are used, however, the dose is intended (allegedly) to be non-lethal. Death does not “usually” occur, according to the literature. Taser International ceased claiming that the devices are “non-lethal”, instead maintaining they “are more effective and safer than other use-of-force options.” Models used:There are two main law enforcement models, the M26 and X26. Both come with various accessories, including a laser sight and optional mounted digital video camera that can record in low-light situations. Taser International is also marketing a civilian model called the C2. On 27 July 2009, Taser introduced the X3, capable of firing three times without reload.Stun Gun http://www.beststungun.com/ Legal Disputes: It remains crucial to look at the particular facts to maximize the amount of recovery. Generally speaking, the controversy has been centered on (1) the justification of the use of the weapon at times and, in some instances, (2) health issues that are claimed to be due to the use of the weapon.Numerous bursts by a Taser can be deadly and actionable. There are numerous examples locally and internationally that resulted in claims for significant loses. For example, a Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski died in the Vancouver, BC airport. In that case, the police officer repeatedly stunned the victim with a Taser, which may have violated police protocol and recommended usages by the manufacturer, however. Again, the individual facts of each case must be reviewed.One thing is certain: one pulse may provide enough energy to induce deadly ventricular fibrillation in some cases. The threshold for women may be less. The Taser is a programmable device; however, the controlling software does not limit the number of the bursts of pulses (or the time between bursts) when the trigger is held down continuously. Thus, depending on how it is utilized, the device can cause a victim’s heart to enter a deadly ventricular fibrillation.
Civil Rights
Excessive Force
Criminal Defense – Our Pittsburgh PA criminal law attorneys handle drunk driving (DUI – driving under the influence), simple assault, aggravated assault, misdemeanor, being detained, false accusations, felony cases, guns, drugs, preliminary hearings, arraignments, jury trial, negotiation with the prosecutor for lesser sentence, including probation, alcohol counseling. Each PA lawyer at our firm will work hard to get the best possible deal for you. You need an attorney to fight hard for your rights when facing criminal charges for a crime.Other Areas – Our Lawyers in Pittsburgh PA handle injury, accident, and civil rights cases involving police brutality, bad cops, excessive force, Taser, shooting, beating, and stun gun incidents, fraud claims, damages for fraud, money and property loses, mental suffering and psychological treatment, and compensation needs. We negotiate, settle, and litigate cases in state and federal court. We address fraud and deception matters, false and misleading statements and conduct, and theft of property.