Discrimination can happen anywhere. That is why federal and state laws exist to protect the civil rights of everyone, including those groups who have been marginalized in the past and continue to be marginalized today. Our lawyers in Lansing strive to keep this city safe by holding accountable anyone who violates these laws.
Christensen Law is eager to pursue fair compensation for any and all losses you sustained as a result of this civil rights violation. Call today and find out, at no cost or risk to you, how our Lansing personal injury lawyers will protect your rights and your future.
We Will Seek Fair Damages After a Civil Rights Violation in Lansing
Whether the discrimination you experienced was physically violent or mentally distressing, it was both illegal and unacceptable. Christensen Law wants to protect your rights, both for your sake and for the sake of everyone else in Lansing who might otherwise believe that there is no way to hold discriminatory parties accountable.
Here are just some of the types of damages you could qualify for and how our Lansing civil rights lawyers will work to put that money in your pocket.
Monetary Expenses Stemming from the Civil Rights Violation
Some acts of discrimination result in injuries that require medical care, including medication, therapy, and even hospitalization. Others make it difficult for you to perform your normal chores, such as childcare or lawncare, and require you to spend extra money so that other people will do those jobs for you.
Our civil rights law firm will collect documentary evidence, such as bills and receipts, to strengthen your casefile and prove that you deserve reimbursement.
Income Loss Caused by Civil Rights Violations
This is especially important if you experienced discrimination in the workplace. Having to quit a job with a hostile work environment or being denied a position you are qualified for can have long-term impacts on your ability to support yourself. Physical or mental trauma can also affect your career.
We will send a demand letter to the liable party, asking them to pay a fair amount for your monetary losses. If they resist, we will negotiate. Our legal team is also prepared to go to trial if we have to seek a jury award instead.
Physical and Mental Suffering Caused by Civil Rights Violations
Some discriminatory acts do involve a physical component that leads to painful, disabling bodily injuries. However, even if no one laid a hand on you, you can still experience:
- Mental pain and suffering, including mental illness
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of independence
- Loss of consortium
Our Lansing attorneys understand that this is a very difficult time for you. Christensen Law will handle all legal tasks on your behalf, including speaking to the liable party, while you take the time you need to get back on your feet.
Wrongful Death Resulting from a Civil Rights Violation
If someone you love passed away because of a discriminatory act or series of acts, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Our Lansing civil rights law firm will help you file a wrongful death action for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Grief and bereavement
- Loss of society or companionship
As part of our investigation, we will work hard to connect your loved one’s passing with the violation of their rights. Our attorneys in Lansing will fight for you while you focus on processing your loss and rebuilding your life.
When Can You File a Lansing Civil Rights Case?
You have the right to bring a case against anyone who violated your civil rights under state or federal law. Common examples of civil rights violations include:
- Being denied a job, a promotion, or job perks
- Being turned down for a spot at your chosen school on the basis of your protected status
- Being denied reasonable accommodations at work or school
- Being denied a place to live
- Experiencing police overreach or brutality, including but not limited to racial profiling, false arrest, or misuse of tasers
- Experiencing refusal of service at a store or business on the basis of your protected status
- Being denied the ability to exercise basic constitutional rights, such as the right to free speech and the right to vote
You may already be completely sure that your rights were violated, or you may still have questions about whether you can or should take legal action. Call Christensen Law today so we can address all of your most pressing questions immediately.
Protected Status and Your Civil Rights
While everyone in the United States is guaranteed a baseline set of legal rights, historical discrimination has made additional protections necessary for certain groups. These groups include but are not limited to the following:
- Women, who are often paid less than male coworkers and have to contend with sexual harassment more often than men do
- Older individuals, who may be denied career opportunities and otherwise treated poorly because of their age
- Disabled individuals, who are entitled to—but often do not receive—reasonable accommodations at work and accessibility accommodations in other areas of their lives
- People of color, who may have trouble achieving tasks that white people do not have problems with, such as opening a bank account or buying a home
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community, who are frequently harassed and denied access to basic needs
- Immigrants, who all too often face harassment and threats because of their accent or the country where they were born
- Followers of Islam, Judaism, and other non-Christian religions who may face harassment for wearing religious symbols or be denied the ability to practice their religion
Our civil rights attorneys in Lansing represent people from these and other protected groups. If you are a member of more than one protected group, your case might be more complicated, so you could benefit from letting us assess your situation.
Preserving Prisoners’ Civil Rights in Lansing
It is important to remember that incarcerated individuals, the formerly incarcerated, and those accused of a crime are still entitled to their civil rights. We encourage you to turn to Christensen Law if you or a loved one experienced anything like the following:
- Denial of basic necessities while behind bars
- Harassment or abuse from police, prison guards, or inmates
- Being rejected for a job, a home, or a spot at an educational institution just because you were formerly incarcerated
Resources You Can Turn to After a Civil Rights Violation
There are several resources you can turn to, including our civil rights law firm in Lansing, Michigan, after an act of discrimination. Each of these sources can help you with different aspects of your case.
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) has offices throughout the state, including one right here in Lansing. You can call, email, or visit in person if you have any questions about your rights and how to protect them.
You can also report any civil rights violations directly to the MDCR. If you do so, our law firm will use this report as evidence in your case.
Law Enforcement Tasked with Protecting Civil Rights
Our civil rights lawyers understand that not everyone can go to the police after an act of discrimination. In some cases, the police are the ones responsible for civil rights violations. In other cases, they fail to do their jobs by ignoring civil rights complaints, which is in and of itself a violation that justifies legal action.
If you are able to file a report with the Lansing Police Department or any other agency, please tell us. Our civil rights attorneys will request copies of your reports to add to your casefile.
Government and Public Resources
Michigan’s Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS) offers a non-exhaustive list of resources you can explore in the wake of a civil rights violation.
You can fill out a complaint form with the U.S. Department of Justice by phone, mail, or email. The form is available in Arabic, English, and Spanish.
Students at colleges and universities can go to their school’s support and resources center for support groups and other services. However, if the violation of your rights happened at school, you may need to seek outside resources.
Our Lansing Civil Rights Law Firm
Christensen Law has been dedicated to protecting the legal rights of people in Lansing, Michigan, since 1991. We will demonstrate that we are the right firm for you by:
- Putting all of our resources into your case
- Staying in touch with you on a regular basis
- Addressing all of your questions and concerns
- Offering professional legal advice and a fresh perspective
Do not hesitate to come to us with your story or your questions. The sooner we get started, the sooner we will resolve your case so you can move on with your life.
Ready to Talk to Our Lansing Civil Rights Attorneys?
Christensen Law is eager to hear from you. Nothing is more important to our Lansing civil rights lawyers than securing justice and fair compensation for our clients so that they can move forward with a sense of security and peace of mind. Call now for a free consultation and pay nothing until we win.
