Civil & Human Rights Attorneys
The Michigan and United States constitutions guarantee all people certain civil rights. In granting these rights, the constitutions limit what the government can do to you and, in some cases, require the government to do something for you. When government officials exceed their constitutional authority, they violate the very foundation of American life. As attorneys, we believe that it is our duty to hold governmental officials responsible when they exceed their authority because that is the only way to ensure that we continue to live in a free and democratic society.
Have your civil rights been violated? Take the first step towards compensation and contact the Oliver Bell Group for a free consultation.
Protecting Basic Legal Rights Nationwide with Integrity & Dedication
Civil Rights Laws
Civil rights come from constitutional provisions or statutes passed at the state or federal level. Government officials can violate your constitutional rights in many different ways, but the most common instances include:
- Abuse of prisoners
- Discrimination based on race.
- Unconstitutional police stops / uses of force
- Violations of free speech
Additionally, at both the State and Federal level legislation prohibits discrimination in a variety of contexts on the basis of:
- Age
- Disability
- Familial status
- Religion
- Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
The Oliver Bell Group is well versed in using statutes such as the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act in Michigan and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 at a Federal level. Often, civil rights claims overlap with other causes of action in Michigan, one reason why having a legal team experienced in many areas of law is important. For example, excessive force claims under the Fourth Amendment may also give rise to state law assault claims or deliberate indifference to medical conditions under the Eighth Amendment may give rise to medical malpractice claims.
Civil rights cases can be very complex, involving difficult issues such as qualified immunity and exhaustion of administrative remedies. People new to civil rights litigation can easily be blindsided when these issues arise, resulting in dismissal of their meritorious claims. Fortunately, the Oliver Bell Group is very experienced in dealing with the precise issues and gets the results you deserve.