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Civil rights cases have generated a lot of media attention in recent years. Are you looking for a civil rights lawyer in Milwaukee, Brookfield, Waukesha, or other cities in WI? Then you have come to the right place. At Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP, we are proud to have helped clients in their civil rights cases.

Our extensive experience and dedication to protecting clients’ rights, allow us to offer a wide range of legal services in civil rights law. Whether you have faced discrimination, injustice, or violations of your constitutional rights, our civil rights attorneys in Waukesha, WI, at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP are here to provide you with knowledgeable and compassionate legal representation.

What are Civil Rights Cases?

Civil rights refer to the basic rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and to be free from discrimination. Every citizen in the U.S. has civil rights that provide them with freedom of thought, speech, privacy, religion, and a fair trial. If your civil rights have been violated by another party, you can take legal action against them through a civil rights lawsuit. Civil rights lawyers can help you do so.

Common Types Of Civil Rights Violations

There are various types of cases that fall under civil rights law. The most common examples of civil rights violation include:

  • Police brutality
  • Illegal search and seizure
  • Abuse in school, workplace, or nursing home
  • Misconduct by government officials
  • Workplace, hiring, or housing discrimination
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violation
  • Hate violence

Civil Rights Laws in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has various civil rights laws that protect individuals from unfair treatment or discrimination. The Wisconsin Fair Employment Law (WFEA) prohibits discrimination in the workplace. The state also has strict laws against housing and education discrimination.

The most common civil rights case is against public officials or police officers who use their authority to violate someone’s statutory or constitutional rights. In addition to damages for the violation of civil rights, the victim can also seek punitive damages. Our WI lawyers will tell you that you also have the right to raise your civil rights claim in both state and federal courts.

A civil rights case is heard in a civil court. In some cases, civil rights cases can be filed with the  Department of Justice Civil Rights Division or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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Is There a Statute of Limitations for Civil Rights Cases?

A statute of limitations requires you to file your claim or lawsuit within a certain time frame after the alleged incident occurred. The statute of limitation depends on the type of case. For example, personal injury cases have a statute of limitations of three years, while breach of contract claims have a six-year statute of limitations.

Usually, federal courts look to the comparable state statute of limitations involving harm to someone’s rights. It is important to file your civil rights case within the statute of limitations, otherwise, you risk losing the right to seek compensation for your suffering.

In Wisconsin, the legal timeframe to initiate most civil rights cases is limited to three years from when the cause of action arises. Federal Courts are directed to follow the most analogous state statute of limitations pertaining to injuries to the rights of a person. As civil rights cases include various types of cases, you will need to consult with an attorney to determine the statute of limitations that applies to your case.

How to Sue for Civil Rights Violation Using Our WI Lawyers

If you want to sue a party for the violation of your civil rights, then you need to file a claim with the relevant government agency asking them to investigate your claim of unfair treatment or discrimination. You can also sue in civil court for civil rights violations. As civil rights violation is a broad term covering different types of incidents, it is best to consult with an attorney to determine the best course of legal action.

How Can Civil Rights Lawyers Help?

You should always consult with an attorney when you have a civil rights case as such cases can often get complex. The burden of proof will be on you as the plaintiff, so you will need to gather strong evidence to support your claim. Experienced WI lawyers can help you gather evidence and guide you through each step of a civil rights case. Our legal experience in related practice areas means we can help you in other types of cases including cases covered under personal injury law.

The typical civil rights case can become a drawn-out process as a result of unnecessary delays. However, if you have an attorney on your side, they can minimize such delays. The more complex your civil rights case, the greater the impact an attorney can have on your case. However, you need to involve them early in the process so they can guide you through the legal process.

Consult with an Experienced Civil Rights Lawyer in Waukesha

Allow us at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP to fight for your rights. Our Waukesha WI lawyers are experts in civil rights cases and other related practice areas. The location of our law firm is close to Milwaukee, Waukesha, Brookfield, and other surrounding cities. To learn more about us, we encourage you to check out Gingras Thomsen & Wachs LLP practice areas page. When you are ready to have your free consultation with one of our Waukesha civil rights lawyers, please call us. Additionally, visit our Waukesha personal injury page to discover more about our legal services.

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