Police Misconduct Lawyer in Tennessee: What to Do After an Incident

Quick Summary: 5 Immediate Steps If You Experienced Police Misconduct

If you or a loved one has been harmed by excessive force, wrongful arrest, or another form of police misconduct in Tennessee, taking the right steps early can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim. Here are the five actions you should take immediately:

• Get medical care right away – Even if injuries seem minor, create an official medical record.
• Document your injuries – Take photographs, write down what happened, and save all hospital records.
• Identify and gather witness information – Names, phone numbers, and any video recordings are crucial.
• Request or preserve records – This may include incident reports, 911 audio, booking documents, or body-camera footage.
• Avoid posting on social media – Public statements can be taken out of context and used against you later.

Your Rights After Police Misconduct

When law enforcement crosses the line—whether through excessive force, unlawful arrest, discrimination, or another constitutional violation—you have the right to pursue justice through a civil rights claim. These cases are complex, time‑sensitive, and require a thorough understanding of state and federal law.

Manson Johnson Conner, PLLC, a legacy-driven civil rights law firm based in Nashville and serving clients statewide, represents individuals and families affected by police misconduct across Tennessee. Learn more about our work at our Civil Rights page: https://www.mansonjohnsonlaw.com/civil-rights-attorney.

Understanding Timelines for a Civil Rights Claim in Tennessee

Police misconduct claims typically fall under Section 1983 (federal civil rights law). While timelines can vary based on the specifics of the case, most claims must be filed within one year in Tennessee. Missing this window may prevent you from pursuing your claim.

Because critical evidence—such as body‑camera footage or dash‑camera recordings—can be overwritten after a short retention period, contacting an attorney early helps ensure preservation requests and notices are sent immediately.

What Documentation Strengthens Your Case?

A strong police misconduct case often relies on a combination of personal documentation and official records. Helpful items include:

• Medical records showing the nature and extent of injuries
• Photographs or videos of injuries, the scene, or the incident itself
• Witness statements or contact information
• Police reports or incident summaries
• Body‑worn or dash‑camera footage (if available)
• Written recollection of what happened, completed as soon as possible

An experienced civil rights attorney will also conduct a deeper investigation, which may include subpoenaing records, reviewing internal policy documents, interviewing additional witnesses, and working with experts.

What Outcomes Can a Police Misconduct Civil Case Achieve?

Civil rights lawsuits are about more than compensation—they are also a vehicle for accountability, transparency, and systemic change. Depending on the facts, a case may seek:

• Accountability for officers, departments, and municipalities that violated constitutional rights
• Changes to departmental policies to prevent future misconduct
• Compensation (where applicable) for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and other harms
• Public transparency regarding the misconduct that occurred

Manson Johnson Conner, PLLC works to ensure that every client’s story is heard and that justice is pursued with diligence and respect. With nearly five decades of civil rights advocacy, our firm stands with Tennesseans facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Speak With a Tennessee Police Misconduct Attorney

If you or a loved one has been harmed by police misconduct, do not wait to seek legal guidance. You can contact our team directly at:

https://www.mansonjohnsonlaw.com/contact

We are here to protect your rights, preserve critical evidence, and help you pursue justice.