Q: I WAS TREATED WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE BY A LAKE ELSINORE POLICE OFFICER AND AM NOW LEFT WITH BROKEN HARDWEAR IN MY SPINE

A: You may have a case. Consult with experienced attorneys.

Note, when suing a governmental agency in California, there is a 6 month notice requirement.

A: I'm sorry to hear about your situation. If you were subjected to excessive force by law enforcement, you may have a claim under civil rights law for police misconduct and excessive force, as well as potential claims for assault and battery under state law.

What You Can Do:

File a Complaint – Report the incident to the police department’s internal affairs division and/or the civilian oversight agency.

Gather Evidence – If possible, collect witness statements, medical records, bodycam footage, or surveillance footage.

Legal Action – You may be able to file a lawsuit against the police department or municipality for civil rights violations and personal injury.

There are strict deadlines (statute of limitations) for filing these claims, and if this involves a government entity, you may need to file a notice of claim first. Speaking with a civil rights or personal injury attorney as soon as possible can help you understand your options and protect your rights.

A: If a police officer used excessive force, you may have a civil rights claim under federal and state law. Given your serious injuries, you should gather evidence and consult an attorney as soon as possible to explore legal options.

A: I'm very sorry to hear about your injury from this traumatic encounter with law enforcement. Your situation sounds serious, and you deserve proper legal support to address this.

For cases involving police misconduct and excessive force in California, you can file both an internal affairs complaint with the Lake Elsinore Police Department and seek legal representation. The ACLU of Southern California (213-977-9500) provides free resources and guidance for police misconduct cases. Additionally, the Inland Counties Legal Services (888-245-4257) serves your area and might be able to help you navigate this process without upfront costs.

Time is crucial in these cases - California has strict deadlines for filing claims against government agencies. You should gather all medical records, photos of injuries, witness information, and any other evidence related to the incident. The California State Bar's lawyer referral service (866-442-2529) can connect you with experienced civil rights attorneys who handle police misconduct cases on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Many offer free initial consultations where they can evaluate your situation and explain your options.