If you were harmed by negligent police officers in New Jersey, you may think that a lawsuit is pointless. After all, what chance could you possibly have? You are taking on the very people responsible for upholding the law, and so how could you expect any result other than failure? While this logic is somewhat understandable, it is important to understand that police in New Jersey can be held accountable for their misconduct. In fact, lawsuits can achieve much more than simply a financial settlement. They can also force people to take notice of serious problems within the policing system. In New Jersey, a number of recent lawsuits may have contributed to sweeping changes made by Governor Phil Murphy. These changes may prevent further misconduct in the future. 

But if you have been injured or harmed in any way by a police officer, these sweeping changes came too late. In order to pursue justice, you will need to take action against those responsible. The best way to do this is with the help of a personal injury attorney in New Jersey. Our legal professionals can assess your unique situation and determine the best route forward based on your circumstances. From there, we will gather evidence, represent you in court, and negotiate on your behalf. With a financial settlement, you can pay for your medical expenses, missed wages, and psychological trauma following this incident. 

Police Sued for Taking Baby DNA Without Permission

According to a stunning new report, New Jersey police have been using blood samples taken from babies to track down alleged criminals for years. The logic is simple: They use DNA samples taken from a baby to link the infant’s family members to crimes. The technique might be effective, but it is raising some serious moral concerns. Perhaps not surprisingly, it is also sparking lawsuits against various police departments. 

Most parents are aware that it is mandatory for babies to have blood samples taken within 48 hours of birth. However, these parents believed that the blood samples were taken to test for genetic disorders. No one had any idea that this genetic data would be handed over to New Jersey police investigators without consent or a warrant. A lawsuit has already been filed, arguing that this should be considered an unconstitutional search. 

Body-Cam Footage Shows Police Officer Committing Violent Assault

On July 28th, it was reported that a Paterson police officer had been indicted for second-degree official misconduct, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of tampering with public records, and one count of perjury. 

These charges stem from an incident in May of 2021, when the officer arrested an individual for terroristic threats. According to the officer, the victim was “out of control” and tried to head butt him. However, the surveillance footage shows that the officer approached the victim without warning and without telling him that he was under arrest. He then proceeded to strike the victim with an overhand palmed attack. When the victim fell to the ground, the officer pulled out a flashlight and struck him repeatedly over the head. Finally the victim was placed in a sitting position with his back against the wall. The officer then proceeded to knee him in the face for no reason. 

Family Sued Police Following Relative’s Death After Arrest

On July 6th, it was reported that a family in Trenton was suing the police after their relative suffered fatal injuries during an arrest. According to the lawsuit, the 64-year-old victim was hit with pepper spray before being placed in a position that made it difficult to breathe. The man – who had only one functioning lung – passed away about two weeks later in a hospital. 

The family’s lawyers argue that the officers did not have a warrant and violated the man’s civil rights. They also point out that the officers did not seem to care about the victim’s medical needs. 

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC. Over the years, we have assisted numerous injured plaintiffs in the Garden State, and we know how serious police injuries can be. It does not matter whether you are suing a government agency or a negligent motorist – you always have the right to pursue legal action. With our assistance, you can hold officers accountable for misconduct and recover the compensation you need to pay for medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and much more. Remember, the statute of limitations can prevent you from suing if you wait too long, so book your consultation today.