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Client Reviews
I needed an attorney to help me recover unpaid wages from an employer. I did not know where to start, so I did a Google search looking for an attorney that specialized in employment law. I called a few firms and I was unable to speak to a live person. I kept getting prompted to leave a message or to send an email. By the time I reached Vincent Sykes firm I was frustrated and angry, but I was relieved to be speaking to an actual human being!! When I asked to speak with an attorney, the gentleman informed me that he was Mr. Sykes. I felt an instant sense of relief. Mr. Sykes was kind and patient and compassionate. On our initial call he listened intently for 20 minutes and never asked for compensation. Mr. Sykes was never aggressive or driven by money. He spent at least 2 hours gathering information before we agreed that he would represent my case. He was always readily available and answered correspondence quickly. He was very honest with me and always made sure that I was fully aware and informed. In the end, Mr. Sykes was successful in helping me to get paid. I would highly recommend Mr. Sykes without reservation.
He is a honest, very professional and hard working lawyer. I liked his empathy with my problem. He helped me to understand my case, showed the different options, and told me which one was the best. I'm happy he found the solution to my problem in a short period of time.
I appreciate how reliable and hardworking Mr. Sykes was throughout the duration of my case. I didn’t have much hope in the case but Mr. Sykes was very encouraging and confident that we would win and we did!
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Civil Rights FAQs New York
Do I Have A Civil Rights Case?
A civil rights case may exist when a government official, law enforcement officer, or employer violates legally protected rights and causes harm. Common examples include unlawful arrests, excessive force, workplace discrimination, or retaliation. Whether a claim exists depends on the specific facts, available evidence, and applicable law. A case evaluation can help determine whether your situation may give rise to a legal claim.
In certain circumstances, individuals may bring civil rights claims against law enforcement officers and, in some cases, municipalities. These claims are often brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 when constitutional rights are violated. Common claims include false arrest, excessive force, unlawful searches, and malicious prosecution. The viability of a claim depends on the facts and applicable legal standards.
The value of a civil rights case depends on factors such as the nature of the violation, severity of injuries, impact on the individual, and available evidence. No two cases are the same, albeit striking similarities may exist. Damages may include compensation for physical injuries, emotional distress, loss of liberty, lost wages, and other harms. Plaintiffs bear the burden of presenting evidence to support their claims and prove the extent of their damages.
Many civil rights and catastrophic injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning no attorney’s fee is owed unless a recovery is obtained. Whether a case qualifies--contingency and/or flat-fee--depends on the facts and available evidence.
In New York, many federal civil rights claims must generally be filed within three years of the incident. However, claims involving government entities or employment discrimination may involve shorter deadlines and procedures. It is important to seek legal guidance promptly!