Civil rights violations are more than just injustices—they’re violations of constitutional protections. If you were mistreated by a government official, law enforcement officer, school, or public institution in North Carolina, you may have the right to sue. 💥
At Burts Law, PLLC, we stand up for individuals whose civil rights have been violated—whether through unlawful arrests, police misconduct, discrimination, or retaliation. If you believe your rights have been violated, here’s what you need to know to take action.
📜 What Counts as a Civil Rights Violation?
Civil rights violations happen when a government entity or official deprives you of protections guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution or federal/state laws. Common examples in North Carolina include:
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🚔 Police brutality or excessive force
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✊ Unlawful arrests or racial profiling
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👨🎓 Discrimination in public schools or universities
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🏛️ Retaliation for exercising free speech or assembly
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🚫 Denial of due process in criminal or civil proceedings
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🧑🦽 Disability, race, or gender discrimination by public institutions
Most claims fall under Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act—a powerful legal tool that allows individuals to sue state or local government officials for constitutional violations.
⚖️ Step-by-Step: How to File a Civil Rights Claim in NC
1. 📝 Document Everything
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Write down exactly what happened
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Include names, dates, times, and locations
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Save photos, videos, or audio if available
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Keep police reports, emails, or public records
🧠 Tip: The more detail you have, the stronger your claim.
2. 👨⚖️ Speak to a Civil Rights Attorney
Civil rights cases are complex and often involve powerful government entities. Having an experienced attorney is key to:
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Identifying your legal claims
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Gathering admissible evidence
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Meeting strict deadlines and filing requirements
📞 Contact Burts Law, PLLC at (866) BURTS-LAW for a free, confidential consultation.
3. 🏛️ File a Notice of Claim (if Required)
In some cases—especially when suing a city, county, or public agency—you must file a notice of claim before suing. This lets the agency know you’re planning legal action.
⚠️ Deadlines can be as short as 180 days, so don’t delay.
4. 📄 File a Federal or State Lawsuit
Depending on the case, your attorney may file:
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A federal civil rights claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983
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A state-level discrimination complaint under the NC Human Relations Commission
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Both state and federal claims, if appropriate
Your lawsuit may seek:
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💵 Compensation for emotional distress, lost income, and medical bills
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💪 Injunctions or policy changes
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💣 Punitive damages against officials for egregious conduct
⏱️ Civil Rights Deadlines in NC (Statute of Limitations)
Generally, civil rights claims under federal law must be filed within 3 years from the date of the violation. However, some state-level claims (especially those involving government agencies) may have shorter deadlines.
⏳ Always consult an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
👨⚖️ Why Choose Burts Law, PLLC?
We’re proud to fight for clients whose civil rights were ignored, violated, or trampled. Whether you were harassed, profiled, assaulted, or denied justice, we know how to:
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File timely complaints
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Navigate government immunity defenses
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Gather evidence that meets federal standards
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Present your case with passion and precision
You don’t have to fight this battle alone. ✊
📞 Call (866) BURTS-LAW or visit 🌐 www.burtslaw-sc.com to get started.
