When to NOT hire a lawyer: Sue the cops yourself
As a civil rights lawyer, I get many calls from people who’ve been treated unfairly by the police. Sometimes, there’s no question that an officer crossed the line. Maybe they pushed you, shoved you to the ground, or used some other unnecessary force during a traffic stop. You were wronged, and you’re right to want accountability.
But here’s the reality: not every valid claim is a viable lawsuit for an attorney.
Why Some Cases Don’t Warrant a Lawyer
Civil rights cases are among the most complex and time‑consuming in the legal system. They often require filing in federal court (big hassle), fighting qualified immunity defenses (bigger hassle), depositions, expert witnesses, and discovery that can take literal years (long term, ugly hassle).
Long story short, the extensive attorney hours can quickly exceed the likely recovery for the lawyer. So when we choose these cases, we can’t take every one. I can’t justify putting in $40,000.00 worth of legal work to recover $3000.00 for my law firm. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get your day in Court.
If your case involves no arrest, no jail time, and no lasting injury — for example, a bruise, soreness, or emotional distress without documented treatment — the damages may not justify a lawyer’s involvement. Even with a valid claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, an attorney typically accepts a case on contingency and invests substantial resources upfront. If a jury awards only a few thousand dollars, the time and cost can outweigh the benefit.
Small Claims Court Can Make Sense
If you suffered minor physical harm or property damage from an officer’s misconduct, Kentucky’s small claims court may be your best option. It’s designed for straightforward cases involving limited damages (currently up to $2,500). You can file your own case without an attorney, tell your story to the judge, and seek compensation directly.
For example, if an officer pushed you, damaged some piece of property like a phone, or if you missed work because of the incident, those are tangible harms you can document. Small claims court gives you a venue to demand accountability without the long delays and high costs of federal litigation. The whole process can last less than 60 days.
How to Prepare
If you decide to file in small claims court:
Gather evidence. Take photos of injuries, property damage, and obtain witness statements or body‑cam requests through open records.
Calculate your damages. Include repair bills, receipts, lost wages, and any out‑of‑pocket medical costs.
File in the right county. Typically where the incident occurred or where the officer works. Below is the form that you will need to file suit.
Stay professional. Present your facts calmly and clearly. The goal is to hold the officer accountable, not to argue politics or show the judge who is more emotional about the case.
Standing Up for Yourself Still Matters
And as always, don’t talk to the cops.
