Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters

Call To Schedule An Appointment: 570-796-7613

Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters
570-796-7613

Changing Lives Through Powerful Legal Guidance

Williamsport Civil Rights Discrimination Lawyer

When many people think of discrimination and harassment, they may picture unfair or abusive treatment suffered by a person because of who they are or what they look like. When it comes to employment circumstances, no person, regardless of their title or badge, is above the law. At Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters, we are committed to protecting the civil rights of our clients. We can advise you if you are being mistreated by your employer, if you are experiencing a hostile work environment or if you lost your job because of who you are. Contact us to learn more.

Civil Rights Cases We Take On

We are highly selective in the cases we accept, focusing on matters where we can make the greatest impact for our clients and our community. The types of cases we work on include:

  • Police misconduct and excessive force: Holding law enforcement accountable for wrongful arrests, unlawful searches, fabricated charges and the use of unreasonable force.
  • Jail and prison civil rights: Advocating for those in custody who suffer from a failure to provide essential medical care, unsafe conditions or physical abuse by staff.
  • First Amendment retaliation: Protecting your right to free speech, peaceful protest and religious freedom against government overreach.
  • Discrimination by government entities: Fighting for equality when state or local agencies discriminate based on race, sex, disability or national origin.
  • Due process and equal protection: Challenging unfair administrative hearings, selective enforcement of laws and the deprivation of liberty or property without legal justification.
  • Student and school civil rights: Addressing discipline disparities, Title IX issues and the failure to provide mandatory disability accommodations in public schools.
  • Disability access (ADA claims): Ensuring public services and facilities are accessible to all, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Frequently Asked Questions

We deliver national caliber advocacy from our offices in Williamsport because we believe our neighbors deserve the best representation close to home. Below are answers to questions we hear almost every day in the office.

Can I sue the police department or the officer personally for violating my civil rights?

Yes, though these cases are legally rigorous. You can often sue individual officers under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Suing the department or municipality (known as a Monell claim) requires proving that the violation resulted from an official policy, a lack of training or a “custom and practice” of the department. We navigate the complexities of “qualified immunity” to hold wrongdoers accountable.

Do I still have a civil rights case if I was arrested or charged with a crime?

Absolutely. Your constitutional rights do not disappear simply because you were arrested. If the arrest lacked probable cause, if evidence was fabricated or if excessive force was used during the encounter, you may have a valid claim regardless of the outcome of the criminal charges.

What damages are available in a civil rights lawsuit?

Civil rights litigation allows for the recovery of both economic and noneconomic losses. This includes:

  • Economic damages: Medical bills, lost wages, and future loss of earning capacity.
  • Noneconomic damages: Emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of reputation.
  • Punitive damages: In cases of egregious or malicious conduct, these are awarded to punish the defendant.
  • Attorney fees: Federal law allows for the recovery of legal fees, ensuring that the cost of justice doesn’t fall solely on the victim.

How long do I have to file a civil rights claim in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for most civil rights claims – specifically those filed under Section 1983 – is two years from the date of the incident. However, if your claim involves a government entity, there may be much shorter administrative notice requirements (sometimes as short as six months).

Get Experienced Legal Representation

Whether you believe you have experienced a wrongful discharge, a wrongful termination, sexual harassment or another serious problem, call us at 570-796-7613 or use our online contact form to tell us about your situation in confidence. We can explain how the law applies to your situation and help you plan your next steps.