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When Authority Becomes Abuse.

The Constitution is not a suggestion. When government actors violate your rights, we provide the aggressive federal representation needed to hold them accountable.

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Why These Cases Are Different

Suing the government is not like suing a driver. Police officers are protected by Qualified Immunity. This legal shield blocks most lawsuits unless you can prove they violated "clearly established statutory or constitutional rights."

At Addison Law Firm, we are students of the 10th Circuit. We know the precedent, we know the judges, and we know how to pierce that immunity to get you to trial.

Federal Court Precision →

Civil Rights cases are typically fought in Federal District Courts, not your local county courthouse. We regularly practice in:

Constitutional Violations We Fight

We handle cases under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the federal statute that allows citizens to sue for civil rights violations.

Excessive Force →

Police brutality, unjustified shootings, misuse of tasers, and beatings during arrest.

Jail Neglect & Death →

'Deliberate Indifference' to serious medical needs. Denying insulin, ignoring crisis, or failing to prevent suicide.

Unlawful Search →

Fourth Amendment violations involving warrantless entry, illegal stops, or seizure of property.

Oklahoma County Jail Crisis

60+ deaths since 2020. DOJ investigation active. $4.3M+ in settlements. If your loved one died in custody at the Oklahoma County Detention Center, we can help.

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Our Civil Rights Practice Areas

We've developed deep expertise fighting constitutional violations. Each area requires specialized knowledge of federal law and qualified immunity doctrine.

Featured Practice Area

In-Custody Death & Jail Neglect →

When jails fail constitutional duties to provide medical care and safety, families have the right to hold them accountable.

Medical NeglectSuicide WatchDetox DeathsUnderstaffing
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Featured Practice Area

Police Misconduct & Excessive Force →

Badges don't grant immunity from accountability. Section 1983 provides a path to justice for constitutional violations.

Excessive ForceFalse ArrestUnlawful SearchMonell Claims
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Relevant Insight: Understanding Section 1983 Claims

Learn about the evidentiary standards required to win "Deliberate Indifference" cases in Oklahoma.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but it is complicated. You sue them in their 'individual capacity.' However, the city or county usually pays the settlement. To hold the city liable, we often must prove that the officer's actions were part of a 'pattern or practice' of bad behavior (a Monell claim).
Qualified immunity protects government officials from lawsuits unless they violated 'clearly established' constitutional rights. We overcome it by finding prior cases with similar facts where courts ruled the conduct was unconstitutional. Our deep knowledge of 10th Circuit precedent is essential to piercing this shield.
You can sue both. Individual officers are sued for their personal actions. Cities and counties can be sued under 'Monell' liability if we prove the violation resulted from an official policy, custom, or failure to train. Municipal liability often leads to larger settlements because cities have deeper pockets than individual officers.
The statute of limitations for Section 1983 claims in Oklahoma is generally two years from the date of the incident. However, if you also have state law claims, you must file a Tort Claim Notice with the government agency within one year. Time is critical—contact us immediately.
Key evidence includes body camera and dashcam footage, witness statements, medical records documenting injuries, the officer's disciplinary history, department training records, and 911/dispatch recordings. We issue preservation letters immediately to prevent evidence destruction.
You can recover compensatory damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering) and punitive damages against individual officers if their conduct was malicious or reckless. Section 1988 also requires the government to pay your attorney's fees if you prevail.
'Following orders' is not a defense to a constitutional violation. Each officer is individually responsible for their actions. However, this defense may actually help your case—it can establish that the unconstitutional conduct was department policy, opening the door to municipal liability.

Civil Rights Insights

Suing ICE for Excessive Force
February 16, 202618 min

Suing ICE for Excessive Force

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21 Homicides at One Oklahoma Prison: What Families Should Know
February 15, 202614 min

21 Homicides at One Oklahoma Prison: What Families Should Know

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Oklahoma County Jail: A Detention Crisis
January 28, 202614 min

Oklahoma County Jail: A Detention Crisis

Read

Protect Your Rights.

If the government has violated your rights, silence is not an option. We are ready to fight.

No Fee Unless We Win

Contact Us Immediately