Police taser abuse in Chicago has topped the headlines in recent years. You have probably seen the graphic videos of police brutality on television—often resulting in serious injuries and even death. Gregory E. Kulis & Associates, Ltd. represents clients in Chicago taser lawsuits.

Tasers are a common alternative to firearms for police when subduing suspects. Though they are often touted as a safe alternative to guns, families of victims in Chicago taser deaths disagree.

Chicago police taser deaths

Chicago police officers are supposed to be trained professionals who know when to use force, and if using force, must consider:

• The subject’s action(s)
• The degree of potential danger in the situation
• The safety of third parties present in the situation

However, good judgment is often ignored. Amnesty International reports, 351 taser police related deaths have occurred in the United States since 2001. Of those 351 deaths, over 90% of the suspects were unarmed. Under state, federal, and municipal law, police may not use excessive force on citizens while performing their duties. Yet police officers routinely use tasers when no threat of violence is evident or passive resistance is shown by suspects.

Risk of taser injury in Chicago is well known

The risk of taser injury in Chicago is so well known that in 2005, Illinois became the first state to require a firearms license for stun gun owners. Still, since the taser law passage, police officers have continued inappropriate use. Recent cases of abuse include:

• Unarmed, handcuffed teenager tasered while in custody and later died
• 82 year old woman tasered by police in 2007
• Man tasered 4–5 times during a diabetic seizure
• Waiter tasered by police as a joke

Challenges of a Chicago police taser lawsuit

A Chicago police taser lawsuit can be very complex because:

• Witnesses who are afraid to testify
• Burden of proof that is difficult to establish
• Laws that provide immunity to police officers
• Short statutes of limitations

If you are the victim of a taser injury in Chicago, you may be entitled to compensation from the officers and the municipality/county that employed the officers.

Get help in your Chicago taser lawsuit

If you or a loved is a victim in Chicago, Gregory E. Kulis & Associates, Ltd can help. Contact Gregory E. Kulis & Associates online today to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.