Philadelphia Civil Rights Attorneys

PA Civil Rights Lawyers

As a citizen of the United States, you are granted basic rights to political and social equality, known as your civil rights. Unlike human rights, which are acquired inherently through God or nature, civil rights are granted and guaranteed by our local, state and federal government. Because of this, civil rights must often be fought for by marginalized individuals as societal and cultural norms change over the years. If your civil rights have been violated by another citizen, your employer, or by a government official, you will need to consult an experienced civil rights violation lawyer. At McEldrew Purtell, fighting for the rights of our clients is more than just our job, it is our passion. We fight not only for fair and just compensation for our clients but will also make sure your case receives the public attention and support it deserves, to ensure that the fight for justice and equality in our country move forward.

Our Expertise

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Excessive Force

Even with police brutality at the forefront of the national discussion, the use of excessive force by American police continues to make headlines.

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Wrongful Termination

Wrongfully discharged due to a case of unlawful employment discrimination or in retaliation for protected conduct.

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Police Shootings

Police shootings have been dominating the news in recent months, but they’re not a new phenomenon. Not all victims and their families are recognized. Even fewer get justice.

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Wrongful Convictions

4% to 6% of people in U.S. prisons are innocent but so few are able to be exonerated.

Police Brutality and Misconduct

Our nation has seen a dramatic and troubling rise in hate crimes, with levels the highest they have been in 16 years. The onset of the coronavirus has coincided with a rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Hate crimes against African Americans have also soared at gatherings like the Unite the Right protest in Charlottesville, which culminated in a racially motivated beating that left the victim with a concussion and spinal injuries.

Attacks against African Americans continue to be the most frequently reported hate crime incidents related to racism, while anti-Semitic attacks in the US reached their highest levels ever in 2019. Latinos continue to experience an increase in racially motivated incidents, and the LGBTQ community has also seen a rise in hate crimes. All people deserve to live a life free from the fear of violence motivated by race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Other Types of Civil Rights Violations

Corporate discrimination

If a store discriminates against a customer because they have a foreign accent, or due to their race, the customer can pursue legal options.

Birth injuries

Black women in the United States have disproportionately high rates of deaths related to childbirth, due to barriers preventing them from obtaining quality health care. If you received negligent care during your pregnancy or childbirth due to racial discrimination, you have every right to seek legal counsel.

Discrimination and wrongful termination

Pennsylvanians have a right to be free from discrimination in the workplace based on race, religion, national origin, age, sex, or disability.

Civil Rights Results

A Proven Track Record

$7.5 Million

Settlement in an Illinois police shooting case.

$2 Million

Civil Rights Wrongful Death settlement.

$2 Million

Settlement for a Wrongful Death in Prison.

$2 Million

Settlement in a police shooting case.

$1.6 Million

Civil Rights settlement

$1.5 Million

Civil Rights settlement

$1.25 Million

Civil Rights settlement

$665,000

Settlement for a woman struck during a police chase.

How Do We Hold Civil Rights Violators Liable?

We will carefully review the facts and circumstances of your case to determine if there were civil or criminal violations. Civil lawsuits can include claims for monetary damages and other types of relief. Criminal lawsuits occur when a prosecutor finds a crime has been committed, and victims may be entitled to monetary or punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and other remedies depending on what kind of violation occurred.

Filing a civil or criminal lawsuit will require a serious commitment of time, effort and cooperation between you and your attorney. At McEldrew Purtell, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our clients, and go above and beyond to bring our clients justice. Contact our team through the link below or at (215) 545-8800.

Meet the Team