What to Do If You Are a Victim of Excessive Police Force or Brutality

Police officers are sworn to protect and serve, but when they abuse their authority and use excessive force, your rights, your safety, and your future are put at risk. Victims of police brutality often feel powerless, but you are not alone, and you have legal options.

A protester holds a sign saying "Your badge isn't a license to kill" at a demonstration for police reform and accountability.

At Falodun Law, we fight for victims of excessive police force in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. If you or a loved one has been mistreated, beaten, wrongfully arrested, or harmed by law enforcement, taking the right steps immediately can protect your case and help you seek justice.

Step 1: Get to Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Your safety is the top priority. If you have been assaulted or injured by the police, get to a safe place as soon as possible. If you are still in police custody, remain calm and avoid escalating the situation.

Once you are free, seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, medical records can serve as critical evidence if you pursue legal action. Additionally, some injuries—such as concussions, internal bleeding, or nerve damage—may not show immediate symptoms but could have serious long-term consequences.

Step 2: Document Everything About the Incident

The more evidence you gather, the stronger your case will be. Police departments often try to justify their officers’ actions, so it is crucial to build a strong record of what actually happened.

✔️ Write down every detail as soon as possible – Include the date, time, location, and circumstances of the incident. Describe what led up to the police encounter and how the officers acted.

✔️ Get the names and badge numbers of the officers involved – If possible, try to identify the officers responsible for the excessive force. If they refuse to provide this information, note any identifying details such as physical descriptions, patrol car numbers, or any body camera footage.

✔️ Take photos of your injuries – Bruises, cuts, and other physical injuries should be photographed from multiple angles.

✔️ Preserve your clothing – If your clothes were torn or stained with blood, do not wash them. Keep them in a plastic bag as potential evidence.

✔️ Identify witnesses – If anyone saw what happened, get their names and contact information. Witness testimony can be powerful in proving your case.

✔️ Look for surveillance or cellphone footage – If the incident happened in a public place, nearby businesses or bystanders may have captured it on video. Try to obtain copies before the footage is deleted.

Step 3: Do Not Make Public Statements or Post on Social Media

After experiencing police brutality, you may feel angry, frustrated, and eager to tell your side of the story. However, publicly discussing your case—especially on social media—can hurt your claim.

🚨 Anything you post can be used against you. The police or their legal defense team may try to twist your words to make it seem like you provoked the situation or exaggerated your injuries.

Instead of making public statements, speak only with a trusted attorney who can protect your rights.

Step 4: File a Complaint with the Police Department

Filing a complaint with the police department may not always result in immediate justice, but it creates an official record of the misconduct. This can be important evidence if your case goes to court.

When filing a complaint, be detailed and factual. Stick to what happened and avoid emotional language that could be dismissed as exaggeration.

If the police department ignores or dismisses your complaint, do not get discouraged. Many internal investigations are designed to protect officers rather than hold them accountable. This is why having an attorney on your side is critical.

Step 5: Contact an Experienced Police Brutality Attorney

Holding law enforcement accountable requires a skilled and aggressive legal team. Police departments and government agencies have legal teams working to protect them—you need someone fighting just as hard for you.

At Falodun Law, we help victims of excessive police force pursue justice and compensation for:

✔️ Medical expenses (past and future)

✔️ Pain and suffering

✔️ Emotional trauma and psychological damage

✔️ Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

✔️ Wrongful arrests and false imprisonment

We understand how difficult it is to stand up against law enforcement, but you do not have to do it alone. We will fight for your rights and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

What NOT to Do If You Are a Victim of Police Brutality

🚫 Do NOT resist arrest – Even if the police are using excessive force, resisting can lead to additional charges that may complicate your case. Stay calm, comply physically, and let your lawyer fight for you.

🚫 Do NOT assume you have no case – Many victims of police brutality feel hopeless, but even if you have a criminal record or were arrested, you still have rights.

🚫 Do NOT sign anything without legal advice – The police may try to get you to sign statements or waivers that could harm your case. Always consult a lawyer first.

🚫 Do NOT delay taking legal action – There are strict time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing a claim. If you wait too long, you may lose your chance to seek justice.

Your Fight for Justice Starts Now – Call Falodun Law

If you or a loved one has been a victim of police brutality, do not wait. The legal system is complex, and law enforcement agencies often work hard to protect their own. Having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference.

At Falodun Law, we are committed to holding police officers accountable for misconduct and fighting for justice on your behalf. We handle cases in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, and we are ready to fight for you.

📞 Call us now for a free consultation: (301) 289-7737

📍 Serving clients in Washington, D.C., and Maryland

You deserve justice. You deserve to be heard. Let us fight for you—contact Falodun Law today.

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