Civil Rights

Civil rights exist to ensure that no one is treated unfairly, silenced, or denied opportunities because of who they are. When these rights are ignored or violated, the impact can be immediate and life-changing, affecting your job, housing, safety, or access to public services. Civil rights laws are designed to protect individuals from discrimination and guarantee equal treatment under the law.

Common Types of Civil Rights Violations

Civil rights violations can occur in many areas of life. Below are some of the most frequent issues people experience:

Employment Discrimination

Discrimination in the workplace may include unfair hiring practices, denial of promotions, unequal pay, wrongful termination, harassment, or retaliation because of your protected status (such as race, gender, age, disability, or religion).

Police Misconduct and Excessive Force

If you or a loved one has experienced unwarranted force, wrongful arrest, racial profiling, or other abuses by law enforcement officers, you may have a civil rights claim. These cases often involve violations of constitutional protections and can be pursued.

Housing Discrimination

Housing discrimination includes unequal treatment in renting, selling, lending, or providing housing accommodations because of protected characteristics. Whether in neighborhoods like Near South, University Place, Irvingdale, or West Lincoln, this can violate the federal Fair Housing Act and Nebraska’s fair housing laws.

Voting Issues in Lincoln

Barriers to registering, casting a ballot, or having your vote counted are among the discriminatory practices that disproportionately affect certain groups and may violate federal voting rights statutes and the U.S. Constitution.

Education and School Equity

Students in Lincoln and across Nebraska are entitled to equal educational opportunities free from discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics. Legal claims may arise under Title IX, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and similar protections at the state level.

Public Accommodations & Government Services

Discrimination in businesses open to the public, governmental services, or public spaces, such as denial of service, unequal treatment, or failure to provide reasonable accommodations, can also constitute civil rights violations. Examples might include accessibility issues at Lincoln City buildings, restaurants, shops along O Street or Pine Lake Road, or refusal of service at local businesses.

First Amendment & Free Speech Claims

Civil rights law also protects freedoms such as speech, assembly, and religion. If a government entity in Nebraska has restricted these rights unfairly, you may have legal recourse under federal or state law.

Civil Rights Protection in Lincoln and Nebraska

In addition to federal protections, Nebraska has state laws and enforcement mechanisms designed to protect against discrimination and uphold civil rights. For example:

• Nebraska Commission on Human Rights: Enforces state anti-discrimination laws in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodation
• Local Ordinances: Additional Lincoln ordinances that provide protections beyond state and federal law

Our Lincoln civil rights attorneys understand how these local and state protections work together with federal law to secure the strongest possible outcome for you.

Steps to Take If Your Rights Are Violated

Taking the right steps immediately after a civil rights violation can strengthen your case and protect your ability to seek justice.

Document and Preserve Evidence: Document each incident with dates, times, locations, what happened, and who was present. Save all related communications and photos. If the issue involves workplace discrimination, keep performance reviews, job postings, and records showing you were qualified for denied opportunities.

Report Through Proper Channels: In employment cases, you may need to follow your employer’s complaint procedures, typically through Human Resources. In housing cases, notify your landlord or property manager in writing. For police misconduct, filing a complaint with the department’s internal affairs division creates a record, though you should consult an attorney first about how this might affect a potential lawsuit.

Seek Medical Attention: If you’ve suffered physical injuries, medical records documenting injuries from excessive force or assault are critical evidence. They also establish a timeline and show the severity of harm you experienced. You can seek medical attention at Bryan Medical Center or Lincoln Surgical Hospital.

Contact an Attorney Quickly: Civil rights cases have strict filing deadlines that vary depending on the type of violation and applicable laws. Some claims must be filed with government agencies within 180 or 300 days of the violation. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim, no matter how strong your case. An attorney can ensure all deadlines are met while investigating your case and preserving evidence.

Why Choose Friedman Law if Your Civil Rights Have Been Violated

When your civil rights are violated, you deserve a law firm that takes your case seriously and fights for accountability. Friedman Law is committed to protecting individuals who have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or abuse of power. We understand the emotional and personal impact of civil rights violations and approach every case with care, determination, and respect.

Our team has experience handling complex civil rights matters and is dedicated to holding employers, institutions, and authorities accountable under the law. We focus on thorough investigation, strong advocacy, and clear communication so you understand your rights and options every step of the way. At Friedman Law, we don’t just handle cases; we stand up for people.