Using a solicitor to sue the police in the UK
Pannone has a specialist team of solicitors who pursue actions against the police. We have experience in winning civil actions against the police for those mistreated by the police eg those falsely imprisoned or assaulted by the police.
You may be able to sue the police if any of the following apply:
- you have been assaulted by a police officer
- you were wrongfully arrested and falsely imprisoned or held by the police longer than necessary or allowed by law
- the police maliciously prosecuted you
- a police officer has used their position in an inappropriate way
- a police officer trespassed on your property
- a police officer damaged your property or seized it and refused to return it
- the police were negligent against you and you have suffered loss as a result
- the police breached your Human Rights
- the police racially discriminated against you
We also pursue compensation claims against the police where there has been a miscarriage of justice, for example, a wrongful conviction.
We also represent individuals:
- at a Coroner’s inquest
- who have a claim for compensation following a death in custody
We can help you make a complaint against the police. The police complaints system is now overseen by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
Taking action against the police can be a very daunting prospect. We will advise you of your options and discuss with you the likely outcome of your police compensation claim.
There are a number of options for funding your case:
- legal expense insurance which you may already have
- public funding (legal aid)
- in certain situations, a conditional fee agreement
- private funding in appropriate cases
If a claim is successfully made to the Home Secretary for wrongful conviction (a miscarriage of justice case) then it is possible that your legal fees will be met by the state.
The most likely outcome of any claim against the police is an award of compensation. The police rarely issue apologies. When you sue the police, compensation falls into three categories:
- basic damages - an amount of money designed to compensate you
- aggravated damages - damages for injured feelings. If aggravated damages are awarded, they will not be less than £1,000
- exemplary damages - designed to punish the conduct of a police officer which is arbitrary, oppressive or unconstitutional. If exemplary damages are awarded, they will be not less than £5,500
If you have sustained injuries as a result of violence it may also be possible to make a claim for compensation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. The amount of compensation awarded by the CICA is determined according to a tariff and is assessed according to the extent of the injuries suffered.
For free and expert advice on making a claim against the police click here or call us free on 0800 0384 384. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
