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Practice

Federal & State Civil Rights.

Civil-rights violations by police, correctional staff, and government agencies — excessive force, unlawful detention, and discrimination. Most people will never sue anyone in their lives. After an injury, they suddenly need to. We make that part of the work small for you, and we do the part you can't.

Free Consultation ☏ (888) 779-1180

What we do.

Both federal and state law protect individuals from civil-rights violations by government actors and others acting under color of law. When officers use excessive force, agencies discriminate, or institutions violate constitutional rights, the people responsible can be held liable. Karns & Karns has experience litigating Section 1983 claims and corresponding state-law actions, and we pursue both monetary damages and policy change where appropriate.

  • Investigation. Police report, scene photos, surveillance, witness work.
  • Medical workup. Records, treatment plan, future care needs.
  • Damages calculation. Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.
  • Insurance negotiation. Documented demand, structured response.
  • Litigation. If the offer is unfair, we file. We try cases.
  • Recovery. When the case resolves, you get paid first.

Our process.

  1. 01

    Free, confidential consultation.

    A 20-minute call or in-person visit. We listen, answer your questions, and tell you honestly whether we think there's a case.

  2. 02

    Investigation.

    Police report, scene photos, dash-cam footage if it exists, vehicle inspection, accident-reconstruction expert when warranted.

  3. 03

    Medical & damages workup.

    Records, treatment plan, lost wages, future care needs. We work with your providers and bring in our own when needed.

  4. 04

    Demand & negotiation.

    A documented demand to the carrier. Most cases settle here, on terms we can recommend.

  5. 05

    Trial, if it comes to that.

    If the offer is unfair, we file. We try cases. The other side knows it.

Common questions.

How much does a free consultation actually cost?
Nothing. We work on contingency: you don't pay an attorney's fee unless we recover for you. The consultation is part of how we decide whether to take a case.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Most states have a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, but several are shorter and a few are longer. Don't wait — call us and we'll tell you exactly where you stand.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
Your own policy may include uninsured/underinsured-motorist coverage. There are also state victim-compensation funds in some jurisdictions. We pursue every available source of recovery.
Do I have to go to court?
Probably not. The vast majority of cases settle. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial — that's what gets fair offers — but we don't push you into a courtroom unless the offer leaves us no choice.
Will my insurance rates go up if I file?
Your rates can't be raised because someone else hit you. If your own carrier raises rates because you used your coverage, that's a separate conversation we can have.
What if I was partly at fault?
Most states use comparative-fault rules: you can still recover, reduced by your share of fault. The percentages matter and we fight hard for them.

Tell us what happened.
We'll tell you honestly
what we can do.

Free Consultation ☏ (888) 779-1180