Somerset Civil Rights Attorney Stands Up for Pennsylvanians

Somerset County lawyer fights to protect constitutional rights

Civil rights are important not only for minorities but for everyone. Federal and state law requires equal protection from discrimination and governmental misconduct regardless of a person’s race, ethnicity or other personal characteristics. If police or other public officials have acted in violation of your civil rights, you can count on Matthew R. Zatko, Attorney at Law in Somerset, PA to stand by your side and help you seek justice.

What are my civil rights?

A civil right is a personal entitlement recognized by the federal or state constitution or a privilege created by statute. U.S. Supreme Court decisions since the 1950s and federal and state statutes since the 1960s have added several layers of protection against discrimination in the areas of education, employment, housing and other societal activity. Although these measures originally targeted racial discrimination, they have a broader application today, protecting against sexual harassment and discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion and other personal attributes. If your civil rights are violated, you may file a lawsuit against the parties responsible and, in some cases, may also file a complaint with a state or federal agency which will investigate and might help you enforce your rights.

What are some examples of civil rights violations?

As an experienced trial attorney, I take appropriate measures to fight against these types of civil rights violations:

• Discrimination — If you’ve been the victim of unequal treatment for which the law allows you to seek relief, you can count on me to fight for your rights.
• Police misconduct — I am ready not only to seek damages for police brutality but also to take remedial action against false arrest, illegal search and seizure (because of a lack of probable cause, false or misdirected warrant or other reasons) and other types of law enforcement overreach.
• Racial profiling — Whatever your race or ethnicity, you may be the victim of racial profiling by police as well as by private citizens. This means adverse action is taken against your based on your physical appearance. You can count on me to challenge the legality of such conduct and pursue all remedies available.

I also represent people bringing defamation lawsuits based on unwarranted accusations. Although not violations of your civil rights, libel and slander can have a detrimental effect on your career and reputation. I can sue the responsible parties and seek any damages to which you are entitled.

No matter what type of claim you have, you can count on me to treat you with the compassion you deserve and to fight for fair monetary compensation.

What is the statute of limitations for a civil rights claim?

If you believe your civil rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission or any other administrative agency no more than 180 days after the incident giving rise to your claim. To seek relief in the courts, you must file a lawsuit within two years of the incident. We will act as quickly as necessary to ensure you meet the appropriate deadlines.

Should I have a civil rights violations attorney?

Pursuing a civil rights violation claim is complicated and demands thorough planning and case preparation. I have the knowledge, experience and skill to find and present the evidence needed to prove both the violation and your damages. This work may pay off in the form of an acceptable settlement, but, if necessary, I will pursue your case zealously at trial.

Contact a forceful civil rights law attorney

If you believe that your civil rights have been violated, you can count on Matthew R. Zatko, Attorney at Law to fight for you. Call 814-443-1631 or contact me online to schedule a consultation. I serve clients throughout Somerset, Bedford, Cambria and Indiana counties.