Q: Is there a statue of limitations on filing a lawsuit for police brutality, unlawful arrest and more in Illinois?
I went by ambulance to the hospital after a police officer slammed into the wall. Not to mention the unlawful arrest which I was found not guilty. I think I should be compensated for the dehumanizing, public embarrassment, losing my job after being incarcerated for a week, medical bills I owe for what the officer did to me.
A:
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to police brutality, unlawful arrest, and similar claims typically falls under the category of personal injury. You generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. However, if the case involves a government entity or official, special rules might apply, and the timeframe could be shorter.
Given the circumstances you described, including the physical harm, wrongful arrest, and subsequent consequences like job loss and medical bills, you may have valid grounds for a lawsuit. Documenting everything, from medical records to any evidence related to your arrest and acquittal, is crucial in supporting your claim.
It would be beneficial to act promptly and consider seeking legal guidance to explore your options for compensation. Time is of the essence, as missing the statute of limitations can prevent you from filing a lawsuit.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.