Excessive Force Cases: When Can Victims Seek Justice?

Posted by Jerry L. Steering, Esq. on

Police officers are authorized to use force when necessary—but what happens when they cross the line? Excessive force cases present complex legal challenges, yet victims can and do win justice through civil rights lawsuits. Understanding the legal standards and real-world outcomes is crucial for anyone who has suffered police brutality. 

At Steering Law, we specialize in excessive force cases and have secured significant settlements for victims across California, including in San Diego County, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, and Irvine. If you believe an officer used unreasonable force against you, schedule a free case evaluation with our team today.

The Legal Standard: When Is Force Considered “Excessive”? 

The landmark 1989 Supreme Court case Graham v. Connor established the “objective reasonableness” standard for evaluating police force. This means: 

  • Force must be judged based on what a reasonable officer would do in that situation. 
  • Courts consider: 
    •   The severity of the suspected crime 
    •   Whether the suspect posed an immediate threat 
    •   Whether they were resisting or fleeing 

However, this vague standard often protects officers. For example, in 2021, the Ninth Circuit granted immunity to an officer who shot a homeless man holding a knife, ruling that the threat wasn’t “clearly unreasonable.” Such rulings show why having an experienced civil rights attorney is essential to challenge these defenses. 

Landmark Excessive Force Cases & Victim Compensation 

Despite qualified immunity hurdles, many excessive force victims have won justice: 

 National Cases 

  • George Floyd’s Family ($27 Million Settlement) 
    • After Derek Chauvin murdered Floyd in 2020, Minneapolis paid one of the largest police misconduct settlements in history. 
  • Stephon Clark’s Family ($2.4 Million) 
    • Sacramento settled after officers shot Clark 8 times in his backyard, mistaking his phone for a gun. 

 California Cases 

  • Los Angeles ($8 Million Settlement) 
    • In 2023, LAPD paid after bodycam footage showed officers beating a man during a traffic stop. 
  • San Diego County ($1.5 Million) 
    • A local sheriff’s deputy was found liable for unnecessarily tasing a mentally ill man. 

At Steering Law, we’ve achieved similar results, including: 

✔ $1,000,000 settlement for a client brutally beaten during an unlawful arrest 

✔ $750,000 recovery in a case where officers used a taser excessively 

These cases prove that justice is possible—but only with the right legal strategy. 

Why Excessive Force Cases Succeed (or Fail) 

 Key Factors That Help Victims Win 

  1. Bodycam/Dashcam Footage – Video evidence is the strongest proof of unreasonable force. 
  2. Witness Testimony – Bystanders can contradict officers’ false reports. 
  3. Prior Complaints Against the Officer – A history of brutality undermines their credibility. 

 Common Police Defenses 

  • “I Feared for My Life” – Officers often claim subjective fear, even when unreasonable. 
  • Qualified Immunity – Courts dismiss cases if no prior ruling addressed nearly identical conduct. 

This is why specialized attorneys matter. At Steering Law, we: 

  • Aggressively obtain bodycam footage before it disappears 
  • Work with use-of-force experts to debunk police claims 
  • Argue exceptions to qualified immunity when possible 

Southern California Residents: Know Your Rights 

Excessive force occurs in every community, including: 

  • San Diego County – Sheriff’s deputies have faced multiple lawsuits over taser misuse and beatings. 
  • Newport Beach & Irvine – Wealthy areas don’t exempt police from misconduct. A 2022 case revealed Newport Beach officers punching a subdued suspect. 
  • Lake Forest – Even lower-crime cities see force escalations during routine stops. 

If you were injured by police in these areas, don’t assume “it’s just your word against theirs.” Evidence like surveillance footage and witness phones often exist—we know how to find it. 

 What to Do If You’re a Victim 

  1. Seek Medical Care – Document injuries immediately. 
  2. Preserve Evidence – Save torn clothing, photos of bruises, and witness contacts. 
  3. Contact a Lawyer FAST – Departments delete bodycam footage in as little as 30 days. 

 Schedule a Free Consultation with Steering Law  

Police departments have teams of lawyers working to protect officers. You need equal firepower. Steering Law offers: 

✅ Free case reviews – No obligation, just honest advice. 

✅ No fees unless we win – You pay nothing upfront. 

✅ Local expertise – We’ve litigated cases across Southern California. 

Don’t let time run out. Visit our website or call us today. 

Key Takeaways: 

  • Excessive force cases hinge on “objective reasonableness” (Graham v. Connor). 
  • Video evidence and expert testimony are critical to overcoming qualified immunity. 
  • San Diego, Newport Beach, Irvine, and Lake Forest residents: Local cases prove misconduct happens everywhere. 
  • Act now—contact Steering Law for a free consultation.