What To Do If I am Injured by the Police in San Diego

Posted on: February 2nd, 2026 by Dod Law

What To Do If I am Injured by the Police in San Diego

With the widespread use of police body cameras and bystander cell phone footage, incidents of police misconduct are no longer hidden from public view. Across San Diego and throughout the country, video evidence has exposed troubling encounters between law enforcement officers and civilians. While police officers play an essential role in protecting public safety, these recordings have reinforced an important reality: police misconduct can happen to anyone, regardless of background, and it often results in serious violations of civil rights.  Learn more about what to do if you are injured by the police in San Diego.

Dod Law Protects Your Civil Rights and Freedoms in San Diego

Law enforcement officers are not above the law. They are bound by the U.S. Constitution, federal civil rights statutes, and California state law. When officers abuse their authority and cause harm, they may be held legally responsible for violating a person’s civil rights. If you have been injured during a police encounter, you may be entitled to compensation and justice through a civil rights claim.

Police Authority Comes With Constitutional Limits

Police officers are granted significant authority to enforce the law, conduct investigations, and make arrests. These powers exist to maintain order and protect the public. However, those powers are strictly limited by constitutional protections designed to safeguard individual freedoms.

The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures. Courts have long recognized that the use of excessive force by police force that is unnecessary, disproportionate, or punitive constitutes an unreasonable seizure and a violation of civil rights. Excessive force frequently results in serious injury and, in the most tragic cases, loss of life.

Police Misconduct | Civil Rights

Civil rights violations by police may include:

• Use of excessive or deadly force
• Unlawful arrests or detentions
• Racial profiling or discriminatory policing
• False imprisonment
• Denial of medical care while in custody
• Failure of officers to intervene when misconduct occurs

When these violations happen, federal civil rights laws most notably 42 U.S.C. § 1983 allow injured individuals to pursue legal action against the officers and, in some cases, the agencies responsible.

Injured by Police Misconduct in San Diego | What Should You Do?

If you have suffered bodily harm due to police misconduct, acting quickly is essential to protecting your civil rights and preserving your legal options. These cases are often complex, and delays can result in lost evidence or missed deadlines.

Your first priority should always be seeking medical attention. Even injuries that appear minor can worsen over time, and medical records serve as crucial evidence linking your injuries to the police encounter.

As soon as you are able, begin documenting everything you remember about the incident. Write down details such as the date, time, location, patrol car numbers, officer names or badge numbers, and what occurred before, during, and after the encounter. These details can be invaluable in a civil rights investigation.

Evidence That Can Strengthen a Civil Rights Claim

Civil rights cases involving police misconduct depend heavily on evidence. The more documentation you can gather, the stronger your claim may be. Important evidence may include:

• Photographs or videos of the incident, injuries, or surrounding scene
• Body camera, dash camera, or surveillance footage
• Witness statements and contact information
• Medical records detailing injuries, treatment, and rehabilitation
• Police reports or arrest records related to the encounter

Preserve all original files and avoid altering or deleting digital evidence. Even social media posts or messages can become relevant in a civil rights case.

Why Civil Rights Legal Representation Matters

Police misconduct and civil rights claims are not like ordinary personal injury cases. Law enforcement agencies and their insurers often respond aggressively to limit liability. Without experienced legal representation, injured individuals may face significant obstacles when seeking accountability.

A knowledgeable San Diego civil rights lawyer can determine whether your constitutional rights were violated, identify all liable parties, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages. In some cases, courts may also award punitive damages to punish egregious misconduct and deter future violations.

At Dod Law, protecting civil rights and individual freedoms is at the core of the practice. No one should suffer harm at the hands of those sworn to uphold the law. When police misconduct occurs, holding officers accountable helps protect not only the victim, but the integrity of the justice system as a whole.

Standing Up for Your Civil Rights | Injured by the Police in San Diego

Police misconduct can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. While legal action cannot undo the harm, it can provide accountability, compensation, and a measure of justice. It can also help prevent future civil rights violations within our communities.

If you believe your civil rights were violated during a police encounter in San Diego, do not wait to seek legal guidance. Time limits apply to civil rights claims, and early action can make a critical difference.

Your civil rights matter. Your freedoms matter. When they are violated, Dod Law is here to help you protect them.

Act Now!  Contact us at our San Diego office (619) 814-5110 | Orange County office 949-681-7020  | Vista office 760-814-6025 | or schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form.