How To Know If Your Civil Rights Have Been Violated

Identifying when someone has violated your civil rights is crucial in this day and age. Whether intentional or not, such discrimination can take place in any area of one’s life. 

Learn what is considered a violation of civil rights. If you suspect your rights have been violated, contact a civil rights attorney in Wichita, KS, for assistance. 

Definition of a Civil Rights Violation

Civil rights entitle everyone to the same treatment, access, and opportunities, regardless of sex, gender, race, skin color, disability, age, country of origin, or religion. Individuals in the U.S. also enjoy several constitutional rights, such as the right to assemble and petition and the right to due process. 

A person’s civil rights are violated when a person or organization denies them fair treatment due to a protected characteristic, discriminates against them because of their identity, or restricts their access to a civil right. This isn’t just unfair behavior; it can give rise to unlawful discrimination cases, compensation claims, and other forms of legal action.  

Common Examples of Civil Rights Violations

Perhaps the easiest way to understand what constitutes a violation of civil rights is to review examples of violations. Here are a few common constitutional rights violations individuals experience:

• Housing discrimination: Being denied housing at a specific rental company due to your gender, race, or religion
• Wrongful termination: Being fired at work for discriminatory reasons
• Denial of the right to vote: Being unable to vote due to scare tactics or other predatory behaviors
• Use of excessive force by police: A police officer using unnecessary force or pulling a weapon on you when you are peacefully protesting or otherwise acting within your rights 
• Illegal search and seizure: Law enforcement searching your person or property without probable cause or a warrant

What Do You Do When Your Civil Rights Have Been Violated?

If you believe you have experienced a civil rights infringement, document the incident in any way you can. Save all emails or text communications on at least two devices.

If anyone witnessed the incident, ask them to write down their account of what happened as well. It can be challenging to prove that someone denied you fair access due to your identity, so be sure to save any evidence you have.  

Next, reach out to an attorney to explore filing a civil claim against the person who discriminated against you. They will listen to your story, help you collect any additional evidence, and pinpoint the exact civil liberties breach that occurred.

The defendant might owe you economic and non-economic damages to make up for the financial and emotional toll the event has taken on you. 

Experienced Attorneys for Discrimination and Civil Rights Cases

Now that you know what is considered a violation of civil rights, Larry Wall Trial Law is here to help you pursue legal action. Call us today at 316-265-6000 for a consultation, then learn more about whistleblowing and how it might apply to employment cases.