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Civil Rights And Discrimination

Wisconsin Civil Rights & Discrimination Attorneys

Civil Rights Violations & Discrimination in Madison, Jefferson & Beyond

The United States grants certain inalienable rights to every individual. Unfortunately, many people have their civil rights violated or face discrimination every day. Not only is this an injustice, but many victims face significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships as a result of someone else’s wrongdoing.

If you believe that your rights or the rights of your loved one have been violated, or if you are the victim of discrimination or harassment, know that you deserve justice. At Lawton Cates, we are committed to helping individuals go up against police officers, law enforcement agencies, employers, and others who seek to take advantage of those with less power. Our attorneys know how to even the playing field, and we are ready to fight tirelessly for you and your family. We bring with us a commitment to our clients that is unmatched by any other firm.

You should not have to suffer the debilitating effects of injustice on your own. Turn to our civil rights and discrimination attorneys in Wisconsin for experienced and aggressive legal representation. With two office locations, we proudly serve clients throughout the state of Wisconsin.


Contact us online or call (608) 420-4033 to schedule a free, private consultation with a member of our team. 


Examples of Civil Rights Violations

Civil rights violations occur anytime an individual or entity infringes upon another person’s constitutional rights. Most often, civil rights violations constitute an abuse of power, but even someone in a similar position to the victim can be to blame. Discrimination or harassment based on a protected class (i.e., race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, etc.) also constitutes a civil rights violation.

Some common examples of civil rights violations in the U.S. include:

  • Police brutality
  • Excessive use of force
  • Unlawful search and seizure
  • Housing discrimination
  • Refusal of service
  • Cruel and unusual punishment
  • Public official abuse

In the U.S., civil rights violations are unlawful. Those who commit such wrongful acts may face criminal penalties, such as jail or prison time, fines, administrative consequences, and other disciplinary action. In addition, victims have the right to seek financial compensation for injuries and damages they endure as a result of having their rights violated. By filing a civil rights violation lawsuit against the at-fault party, you can seek monetary relief for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and other life-altering losses.

At Lawton Cates, our Wisconsin civil rights violations attorneys are passionate about standing up for ordinary individuals and ensuring that powerful agencies are held accountable. We bring more than 63 years of experience to our practice, including extensive experience advocating for victims and their families. If you believe that your rights have been violated or that your loved one suffered due to an abuse of power, contact our firm right away for a free consultation.

Discrimination & Harassment

Federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of certain protected classes.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it unlawful to discriminate against any individual based on any of the following:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • National origin

While the law originally focused specifically on discrimination in hiring, promoting, and firing employees, as well as in all federally funded programs and public accommodations, it has since been expanded to prohibit discrimination in a variety of circumstances, including housing and providing services. Furthermore, state laws have been passed to include a greater range of protected classes.

The Wisconsin Fair Employment Act prohibits workplace discrimination based on the following:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Creed
  • Age
  • Sex
  • Marital status
  • Sexual orientation
  • National origin
  • Disability
  • Arrest or conviction record
  • Military service

The law also prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee on the basis of use or non-use of a legal product off the employer’s premises while the employee is not working, as well as on the basis of declining to participate in meetings or other forms of communication regarding political and/or religious matters.

Other state laws protect individuals from discrimination in a variety of other circumstances, including education, housing, and receiving or providing services. Examples of other protected classes in the state of Wisconsin include ancestry, source of income, and status as a victim of sexual assault, domestic abuse, or stalking.

Discriminating against any individual based on a protected class is considered a civil rights violation. Additionally, harassing someone on the basis of a protected class could also be classified as such and may serve as grounds for a lawsuit.

How Lawton Cates Can Help

We believe that no one should have to endure the injustice of having their rights violated. If this has occurred to you or someone you love, know that our firm is ready to stand up for you and fight for the justice your family deserves.

Our Wisconsin civil rights and discrimination attorneys are highly experienced with complex litigation. We understand the process and the challenges you face. Most importantly, we know how to build effective legal strategies to help you overcome these difficulties so that you can move forward with your life. As your legal team, we will be there for you every step of the way, offering personal attention and support while fighting for the maximum recovery you deserve.

As a trial law firm located in Madison and Jefferson, we offer compassionate, client-focused legal service throughout the state of Wisconsin. We do not charge anything for initial consultations/case evaluations and are available for same-day and weekend appointments by request.


Get in touch with our team today by calling (608) 420-4033 or by contacting us online.


Client Testimonials

  • "Terry took the time to comfortably explain all and discuss options and decision-making that could be done along the way with clear pros and cons and asking me how I’d like to proceed."
    Jim R.
  • Compassionate, thorough, & made it easy to understand what’s going on.

    Riley G.
  • Lawton & Cates has been the most supportive and helpful!

    Rachel
  • "Everyone was so very kind to me... We were all made to feel welcome, made to feel supported, and made to feel like we belong there. That was very important to me since I was pretty stressed out a lot of the time."
    Susie
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