Civil Rights Attorneys in Pennsylvania
Civil rights attorneys handle cases where government officials — including police officers, correctional staff, and other public employees — violated your constitutional rights. These cases are most commonly brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the federal law that allows individuals to sue state and local government officials personally for constitutional violations. Whether you were beaten, falsely arrested, denied due process, or targeted because of who you are, a civil rights attorney can help you hold the government accountable.
AttorneyDavid Rudovsky
David Rudovsky is one of the most distinguished civil rights attorneys in the United States, with a career spanning more than five decades dedicated to challenging police misconduct, government abuse, and violations of c... Read More →
AttorneyMark W. Tanner
Mark W. Tanner is a civil rights attorney with a focused practice on representing individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by law enforcement and government officials. His work centers on holding police... Read More →
AttorneyPaul Messing
Paul Messing is a seasoned civil rights attorney based in New York with decades of experience litigating cases against law enforcement agencies and government entities. He has built a reputation as a tenacious advocate f... Read More →
AttorneyShanin Specter
Shanin Specter is a nationally recognized trial attorney and partner at Kline & Specter, P.C., one of the most prominent plaintiffs' litigation firms in the United States. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law... Read More →
State Filing Deadlines & Legal Limits
For general reference only — not legal advice. Deadlines may vary based on facts and should be verified with an attorney.
42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2)
Federal § 1983 civil rights claims borrow the state personal injury statute of limitations.
42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5522(a)
Written notice of intent to bring suit must be filed within 6 months for claims against local agencies under the Pennsylvania Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act.
Pennsylvania has not modified the federal qualified immunity doctrine. Federal standards apply to § 1983 claims.