On May 25, George Floyd, an African-American man, was killed by police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Video of the murder was released, sparking outrage. Since then, the city has been shaken by protests, fires, and public displays of grief and anger against police brutality, systemic racism, and senseless violence against black citizens. The protests in Minneapolis have led to protests across the country, as citizens of cities across the nation have turned out to speak out against racism and problems in policing and the criminal justice system in America.
In the wake of these protests, there have been reports of people in Minneapolis getting injured after being shot at with rubber bullets, after breathing in tear gas, and after experiencing violent encounters with the police. There have been reports in the New York Times, of peaceful protestors getting injured by the police and peaceful protestors getting injured when forces out on the street to incite violence, do so. The fact is this: you have the right to peacefully protest, to gather, to speak up, and to share your views, without the risk of being injured or killed. However, as the news suggests, some who have gathered to protest have ended up hurt.
While the police are afforded protections against lawsuits under the legal doctrine of sovereign immunity, there have been many cases where families of victims of police brutality and violence have been able to pursue lawsuits and settle cases privately. In cases where police are charged with criminal misconduct for their brutality and violence, families may have added recourse to pursue a civil claim. There have been calls across the country for cities and states to relax their sovereign immunity laws and to stop protecting officers who kill, but it isn’t clear when or if these laws will ever change. At the end of the day, if you or someone you love was injured in a protest, you may have the right to fight back in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a personal injury law firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota that works with those who have suffered injuries due to the negligence or neglect of another person or party. If you or someone you love was hurt in a protest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino may be able to help you.
Protestors’ Rights in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Protestors are protected under the First Amendment. However, there are situations where police can get involved in breaking up a protest. According to the ACLU, protestors’ rights are strongest when protestors gather on sidewalks, in parks, in front of government buildings, or in the street. However, a protest can be controlled by the police if police believe the protest poses a threat to public safety, if protestors are blocking traffic, or if there is a threat that a riot may take place. A protest must only be dispersed as a measure of last resort. Protestors have the right to video tape and photograph the protest. If officers break up a protest and you are injured or illegally detained, you have rights. What are some steps you can take to protect your rights? Individuals who are hurt in a protest can take down the name and badge number of officers who hurt them, and get the names and contact information of witnesses who may have seen the altercation take place. The ACLU also recommends that victims take photos of their injuries, write down information about what happened, and make a complaint. If you have been hurt and are facing medical bills, and time away from work, you may also have the right to pursue a lawsuit or seek a settlement from the police. The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a personal injury law firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota who fights for the rights of the injured and may be able to help you if you were personally injured in a protest.
Protect Your Rights and Fight for Justice in Minneapolis, Minnesota
No one who has gathered peacefully should ever be hurt in a protest. The personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino in Minneapolis, Minnesota have been watching recent events unfold with concern and consternation. If you or someone you love was injured in a Minneapolis protest for Black Lives Matter or to fight for racial justice, you are not alone. Our personal injury lawyers may be able to help. However, you may only have a limited amount of time to seek damages for your losses. Reach out to our law firm today to learn more. Or connect with USAttorneys.com to get matched with a personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino in Minneapolis, Minnesota today.