Police departments across the country often use Tasers to subdue people without resorting to deadly force. These electronic control weapons are designed to incapacitate a person by delivering a high-voltage shock, but “less-lethal” doesn’t mean they’re safe. When used improperly or excessively, Tasers can cause serious injuries such as heart problems, neurological damage, or severe trauma from sudden falls. In some tragic cases, they have even been linked to death.
Tasers are not meant to be used as tools of punishment or compliance. When police officers deploy them on people who are already restrained, nonviolent, or posing no threat, they may be violating your civil rights. You have the right to take legal action. An experienced Philadelphia police brutality attorney can review your case and determine if you have legal grounds to file a complaint for the harm you’ve endured.
If you or someone you love has been hurt by police misuse of Tasers, the Philadelphia police brutality lawyers from The Zeiger Firm can help you demand justice and accountability. Brian Zeiger has years of experience handling complex civil rights cases, including claims involving police misconduct and excessive force. Our criminal defense law firm is known for providing aggressive and experienced representation to clients throughout Philadelphia.
Your injuries deserve to be taken seriously. Contact The Zeiger Firm today to speak with a Philadelphia Taser injury lawyer and learn more about how we can help.
Understanding Taser Use by Law Enforcement
A Taser is a conducted electrical weapon (CEW) used by law enforcement to subdue people through a high-voltage electric shock. Tasers are intended to disrupt muscle control and temporarily incapacitate a person without causing permanent harm. However, the deployment method can turn what’s meant to be a defensive tool into a source of serious injury.
Tasers can be used in two ways: by firing probes attached to wires from a distance or through “drive-stun” mode, where the device is pressed directly against the skin. Philadelphia police officers often use Tasers when dealing with fleeing suspects, suspects perceived as resisting arrest, or people who don’t comply with verbal commands.
Under the Fourth Amendment, force by law enforcement must be “objectively reasonable.” State and federal courts look at whether a law enforcement officer’s actions were justified based on what they knew at the time – not in hindsight. Law enforcement agencies, including the Philadelphia Police Department, are expected to follow specific policies regulating Taser use. National standards stress that Tasers should be treated as an intermediate use of force – not a tool to force compliance when no threat is present.
When law enforcement officers ignore policies or escalate force unnecessarily, the consequences are severe. Victims have the right to seek justice by filing an excessive force claim, especially when the use of a Taser causes serious injury or violates constitutional protections.
How a Philadelphia Taser Injury Lawyer Can Help
When police use of a Taser crosses the line into excessive force, the victim may have the right to file a civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S. Code § 1983. This federal law allows individuals to seek damages when their Constitutional rights – such as protection against unreasonable force under the Fourth Amendment – have been violated by law enforcement.
A skilled Taser injury attorney can build a case against them. That process begins with a thorough investigation.
Our Philadelphia police brutality attorneys can help by:
- Reviewing police reports and internal records
- Securing body-worn camera footage and surveillance video of the arresting officer
- Identifying and interviewing witnesses
- Consulting medical professionals to document the extent of the injuries
Because Taser-related civil rights claims involve both constitutional law and police procedure, you need legal counsel knowledgeable in both areas. An experienced lawyer can determine whether excessive or reasonable force was used, evaluate whether department policies were followed, and fight to hold officers or departments accountable.
The Zeiger Firm brings an aggressive and experienced approach to every civil rights case. Brian Zeiger is known for taking on complex police misconduct claims and pursuing justice for victims. Our legal team can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you pursue full compensation for your injuries.
When Taser Use Becomes Excessive Force
Most Taser-related claims involve arrest or detention scenarios and are governed by the Fourth Amendment’s “objective reasonableness” standard, as established in Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989). This standard requires courts to evaluate whether an officer’s use of force was reasonable based on the facts and circumstances known to the officer at the time.
Courts typically consider several key factors when evaluating Taser use, including the following:
- The alleged offense
- Whether the suspect posed an immediate threat to officers or others
- Whether the suspect was actively resisting or attempting to flee
- Whether other, less harmful force options were available
Repeated or prolonged Taser use, especially after someone has been subdued or restrained, is often considered a use of excessive force. Our experienced attorney can review your police brutality claim to determine if you have grounds to take legal action against the law enforcement agency that harmed you.
Common Injuries Caused by Tasers
Tasers are often labeled as “less-lethal” weapons, but they’re not harmless. Common injuries include:
- Cardiac issues and neurological damage: Tasers deliver a high-voltage electrical shock that can interfere with heart rhythm. This can lead to ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest, particularly in people with underlying heart conditions. There are also documented instances of seizures and nerve damage.
- Secondary injuries from falls or muscle contractions: A Taser disrupts muscle control. This can cause someone to collapse without any ability to break their fall. Serious physical injuries can result, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal damage.
- Psychological trauma: Taser use can leave deep emotional scars. Victims often report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), heightened anxiety, and a lasting fear of future police encounters. In civil rights lawsuits, this type of mental health trauma is usually a compensable injury.
Too much force in the form of a Taser can cause serious injuries or even death. Injury victims of police brutality have a right to seek fair compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Taser
If you’ve suffered injury by a Taser, seek medical attention right away – even if your injuries seem minor. Electrical shocks can cause internal damage, and medical records will be key to your claim. Preserve all records, test results, and follow-up instructions, as they can be critical evidence in your case.
If possible, secure any available video footage, including bodycam, surveillance, or bystander recordings. Gather contact information for witnesses while memories are fresh.
Finally, act quickly to protect your rights. Civil rights claims often involve strict filing deadlines. Contact a Philadelphia Taser injury lawyer at The Zeiger Firm immediately to preserve your right to file a lawsuit.
Learn More About Your Options from The Zeiger Firm
If you have been injured by police Taser use in Philadelphia, don’t wait to get help. The Zeiger Firm offers aggressive, experienced representation in every police misconduct case. We know how to fight back when your rights have been violated. Contact us today to learn more during a free consultation.
