Not every physical encounter with law enforcement constitutes excessive force. The legal standard focuses on whether the force used was objectively reasonable under the circumstances. However, when officers use more force than necessary resulting in serious injury or lasting harm civil rights litigation may be appropriate.

Pisanchyn Law Firm represents individuals across Pennsylvania who have suffered significant injuries due to unreasonable or excessive police force. These cases may involve severe beatings, force used after a person was restrained, improper Taser deployment, K-9 attacks, or other situations where force escalated beyond what the law permits.

Strong excessive force claims often include documented medical treatment, hospitalization, permanent injury, or clear video or witness evidence. Minor discomfort or brief contact typically does not rise to the level of a civil rights lawsuit, but broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or lasting impairment may.

Excessive force cases are aggressively defended and often involve federal constitutional law, qualified immunity defenses, and expert testimony. If you suffered serious injury during a police encounter, we can evaluate whether your rights were violated and advise you on your legal options.

When Does Police Force Become Excessive?

Not every physical encounter with police qualifies as excessive force. That’s an important distinction. The legal standard focuses on whether the force used was objectively reasonable under the circumstances. However, serious injuries resulting from unnecessary force may justify a civil rights lawsuit.

Examples of Potential Excessive Force

• Severe beatings during arrest
• Use of force after a suspect is restrained
• Taser misuse
• K-9 deployment resulting in unnecessary injury
• Repeated strikes after compliance
• Injuries requiring surgery or hospitalization

Minor contact or discomfort typically does not justify litigation. But broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, or permanent impairment may.

Screening Matters

We evaluate excessive force claims carefully.

Strong cases often involve:

• Significant physical injury
• Medical documentation
• Video evidence
• Witness statements
• Force used after compliance

These cases are defended aggressively. Evidence matters.

Speak With a Police Brutality Lawyer in Pennsylvania

If you suffered serious injuries due to unreasonable force during an arrest or police encounter, we can assess whether your rights were violated.

Civil Rights Litigation

Civil Rights Litigation News