At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand the severity of traumatic injuries caused by police misconduct. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to excessive force, wrongful arrest, or other forms of police abuse in San Francisco or anywhere in Northern California, you deserve strong legal representation to protect your rights and pursue justice.
Police officers are entrusted to serve and protect the community, but when they violate that trust and cause injury through misconduct, you need experienced attorneys who will hold them accountable. Our team handles cases involving police brutality, excessive force, unlawful searches, and civil rights violations. We fight to secure compensation for your physical injuries, emotional trauma, and other damages.
What Is Police Misconduct?
Police misconduct occurs when law enforcement officers violate laws, policies, or ethical standards while performing their duties. This can include:
- Excessive use of force or brutality
- Wrongful arrest or detention
- Racial profiling or discrimination
- Illegal searches and seizures
- Failure to provide medical care after injury
- Retaliation against individuals exercising their rights
Not all police misconduct results in injury, but when it does, victims often face serious physical harm, psychological trauma, and long-lasting consequences.
Common Types of Injuries from Police Misconduct
Injuries caused by police misconduct can range from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures from excessive force
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis or limited mobility
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and lacerations
- Psychological injuries including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, adding to the emotional and financial burden on victims.
Police Misconduct in San Francisco and Northern California
San Francisco and the broader Northern California region have seen ongoing concerns about police misconduct. The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has faced scrutiny for incidents involving excessive force and civil rights violations. Local government agencies and community organizations continue to push for reforms, transparency, and accountability.
Recent legislative efforts, including a bill introduced to prohibit public safety officials from hiding officers’ disciplinary records through secret settlement agreements, have sparked debate about police accountability. Advocates support the bill’s intent to increase transparency and prevent officers with serious misconduct histories from erasing or concealing their records, while police unions have expressed concerns about its implications for officers’ rights.
Northern California also includes diverse communities with unique challenges related to policing, including historically marginalized groups disproportionately affected by police misconduct.
For example, San Francisco Police Commissioner Max Carter-Oberstone has been recognized as a persistent advocate for police accountability and independent oversight. His efforts include limiting abusive pretext traffic stops and exposing corruption.
Your Legal Rights after Police Misconduct Injuries
Victims of police misconduct have legal rights under both California state law and federal civil rights statutes. Common legal claims include:
- Excessive Force Claims: When officers use more force than necessary, violating your constitutional rights
- False Arrest and Imprisonment: When you’re detained without probable cause or legal justification
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: When police conduct searches without a warrant or valid consent
- Failure to Intervene: When officers witness misconduct but fail to stop it
- Municipal Liability: When misconduct results from inadequate policies or training on the part of cities and police departments
Filing a claim against police officers or government entities in California involves strict procedural rules and deadlines. For example, claims against public agencies typically require filing a government claim notice within six months of the incident. This notice must be submitted to the appropriate government office to initiate the claims process.
Detailed information on how to file such claims, including required forms and submission guidelines, is available through the California Department of General Services’ Office of Risk and Insurance Management (ORIM). Additionally, to file complaints against police officers, you can find resources and guidance from the California Department of Justice on police complaint procedures. Following these procedures carefully is essential to preserve your legal rights.
In August 2025, the California News Coalition launched a comprehensive database of police misconduct records, making disciplinary histories more accessible to the public. Their goal is to increase transparency and help communities hold law enforcement accountable.
The database includes records from multiple Northern California agencies, providing a valuable resource for victims, attorneys, and advocates seeking information about officers’ past conduct. This development marks a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to improve police accountability in the region.
How Berg Injury Lawyers Can Help You
Navigating a police misconduct injury claim is complex and emotionally taxing. Berg Injury Lawyers offers compassionate, knowledgeable legal support to guide you through every step:
- Free Case Evaluation: We review your situation at no cost and advise on your best options.
- Thorough Investigation: Our team gathers evidence, including body cam footage, witness statements, and medical records.
- Aggressive Representation: We fight to hold officers and municipalities accountable.
- Maximizing Compensation: We pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Trial Experience: If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to secure justice.
Important Deadlines and Statutes of Limitations
California law requires strict adherence to deadlines when filing claims related to police misconduct:
- Government Claim Notice: Must be filed within six months of the incident.
- Civil Lawsuit: Typically, these must be filed within one year of the incident.
Missing these deadlines can bar your case, so prompt legal action is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I sue the police for injuries caused during an arrest?
A: Yes, if the force used was excessive or unlawful, you may have grounds for a claim.
Q: What should I do immediately after experiencing police misconduct?
A: If you are safe, document everything you can. Take photos of injuries, write down officer names and badge numbers if possible, and gather witness contact information. Seek medical attention promptly and contact an experienced attorney to protect your rights.
Q: Can I file a police misconduct claim if the officer was not criminally charged?
A: Yes. Criminal charges and civil claims are separate. Even if no criminal charges are filed, you may still have a valid civil claim for damages caused by police misconduct.
Q: How long does a police misconduct case usually take to resolve?
A: The timeline varies depending on the case complexity, evidence, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Cases may resolve within several months or a few years. Your attorney will keep you informed throughout the process.
Q: What compensation can I recover?
A: Damages may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
Q: Do I have to pay attorney fees upfront?
A: Berg Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Berg Injury Lawyers for Police Misconduct Injury Help in Northern California
If you or a loved one has been injured due to police misconduct in San Francisco or Northern California, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free, confidential case evaluation. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
