Minneapolis Civil Rights & Impact Litigation Lawyers

Fighting for Victims of Civil Rights Violations Nationwide

At Nichols Kaster, PLLP, we proudly represent individuals who have suffered due to civil rights violations in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and nationwide. Our team is passionate about standing up for the rights of everyday people who have sustained life-changing losses due to the wrongful conduct of employers, law enforcement officials, government agencies, lenders, and other entities.

Schedule a free and confidential consultation with our Minneapolis civil rights attorneys today by calling (877) 344-4628 or by contacting us online. Hablamos español.

What Are Your Civil Rights?

The civil rights of U.S. citizens refer to the basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed to individuals by the Constitution and other laws. These rights are designed to protect individuals from discrimination and ensure equal treatment under the law.

Some of the most important civil rights include:

• Freedom of Speech: The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the right to freedom of speech, allowing individuals to express their opinions without government censorship.
• Freedom of Religion: The First Amendment also guarantees the right to freedom of religion, allowing individuals to practice their chosen religion without interference from the government.
• Right to Privacy: While not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the right to privacy has been interpreted by courts as a fundamental right. It includes protection from unwarranted government intrusion into personal matters.
• Right to Due Process: The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments provide the right to due process of law. This ensures that individuals are treated fairly by the legal system and have the opportunity to defend themselves in court.
• Equal Protection Under the Law: The Fourteenth Amendment also prohibits the government from denying any person equal protection under the law. This clause is a key component in addressing discrimination and promoting equality.
• Right to Vote: Various amendments, such as the Fifteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty-Sixth, protect the right to vote and prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, or age.
• Freedom from Discrimination: Civil rights laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in various areas, including employment and public accommodations.
• Right to Bear Arms: The Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms, allowing individuals to own firearms for self-defense.

What Is Impact Litigation?

Impact litigation involves legal action taken with the intent of changing unjust laws and policies that harm everyday people. The goal of impact litigation is to enact changes that make our communities safer and better people’s lives every day.

Key characteristics of impact litigation include:

• Strategic Selection of Cases: Impact litigation involves carefully selecting cases that have the potential to address and impact broader legal or social issues. These cases often represent situations where a favorable ruling could set a precedent affecting a larger group of individuals.
• Systemic Change Goals: Rather than focusing solely on obtaining relief for individual litigants, impact litigation seeks to achieve systemic change. The intention is to address underlying problems or injustices that go beyond the specific facts of the case.
• Advocacy for Legal Precedents: Impact litigation aims to establish legal precedents through court decisions. These precedents can be used in future cases to support similar arguments and influence the interpretation and development of the law.
• Representation of Underrepresented Groups: Impact litigation often involves representing marginalized or underrepresented groups who may face systemic discrimination or violations of their rights. This can include cases related to civil rights, environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and more.
• Collaboration with Advocacy Organizations: Organizations and advocacy groups often play a crucial role in impact litigation. They may collaborate with lawyers and provide support in terms of resources, expertise, and public awareness campaigns to amplify the impact of the legal action.
• Long-Term Advocacy Strategies: Impact litigation is typically part of a broader advocacy strategy. Litigation may be complemented by efforts to engage the public, influence policymakers, and raise awareness about the issues being addressed in court.
• Public Interest Law Firms: Public interest law firms are often involved in impact litigation. These organizations specialize in using legal tools to address social justice issues and advance the rights of individuals and communities.

Examples of impact litigation include landmark cases that have had a transformative effect on the law or society, such as Brown v. Board of Education (desegregation of schools), Roe v. Wade (abortion rights), and Obergefell v. Hodges (marriage equality).

Impact litigation is a powerful tool for social change, and successful cases can lead to significant advancements in civil rights, human rights, and other areas of law.

At Nichols Kaster, PLLP, we are proud to dedicate a significant portion of our practice to impact litigation. Our legal team regularly takes part in litigation that addresses laws and policies that cause widespread harm in our communities. We strive to force changes that prevent further harm and make a positive impact, not only in the lives of the individuals we serve, but also in the areas where we live and work.

Types of Civil Rights Cases We Handle

Generally speaking, civil rights violations may involve violations of one’s constitutional rights, as well as discrimination based on sex, race, color, gender, age, national origin, disability, and other protected classes. Violations of consumer protection laws and student rights may also constitute civil rights violations.

At Nichols Kaster, PLLP, we handle all types of civil rights cases, including but not limited to:

• Constitutional Rights Cases: These cases involve alleged violations of constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process. Individuals may challenge government actions that they believe infringe upon their constitutional protections.
• Consumer Protection Cases: Consumer protection cases focus on protecting individuals from unfair or deceptive business practices. These cases may involve fraud, false advertising, or other actions that harm consumers.
• Discrimination Class Actions: Discrimination class actions are lawsuits brought by a group of individuals who claim to have suffered discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, age, or disability. These cases seek to address systemic issues affecting a larger group.
• Fair Housing and Tenants' Rights Cases: Cases related to fair housing and tenants' rights address issues such as housing discrimination, landlord-tenant disputes, and violations of housing laws. The aim is to ensure equal and fair treatment in housing matters.
• Healthcare & Patient Rights Cases: These cases involve disputes related to healthcare, including issues such as medical malpractice, denial of treatment, or violation of patient privacy rights. Patients may seek compensation for harm caused by healthcare providers.
• Qui Tam – False Claims Act Cases: Qui tam cases involve individuals (whistleblowers) bringing lawsuits on behalf of the government against those who have defrauded government programs. The False Claims Act allows individuals to receive a portion of recovered damages.
• Labor & Human Trafficking Cases: Labor rights cases focus on protecting workers' rights, addressing issues like workplace discrimination, wage violations, and unsafe working conditions. Human trafficking cases aim to combat the exploitation of individuals through forced labor or sex trafficking.
• Student Rights Cases: Student rights cases involve disputes related to educational institutions. These can include issues such as free speech on campus, due process in disciplinary actions, or accommodations for students with disabilities.
• Voting Rights Cases: Voting rights cases address challenges to laws or practices that may restrict or discriminate against individuals' ability to vote. This includes issues such as gerrymandering, voter ID laws, and voter suppression.
• Criminal Justice and Police Misconduct Cases: These cases involve allegations of police misconduct, excessive use of force, or violations of individuals' rights during criminal investigations. They seek accountability for actions that may infringe upon civil liberties.

If you believe your civil rights have been violated in any way, or if you were unlawfully discriminated against, reach out to our Minneapolis civil rights violations attorneys. We have the necessary resources and experience to advocate tirelessly for you.

Compensation for Victims of Civil Rights Violations

If your civil rights have been violated by an employer, a police officer, a lending company, an insurance provider, or some other person or entity, you may have the right to sue for damages. Depending on the specifics of your particular situation, you may have suffered lost income or wages, bodily injuries, wrongful confinement, or other out-of-pocket expenses as a result of having your rights violated. You may have also sustained certain non-economic damages, such as physical pain, mental suffering, emotional distress, anguish, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), damage to your reputation, humiliation, and more.

Why Hire Our Civil Rights & Impact Litigation Lawyers?

For decades, our firm has fought on behalf of everyday people who have suffered losses as a result of being denied their basic civil rights. Our Minneapolis civil rights and impact litigation lawyers are passionate about not only helping victims fight for justice but also enacting changes that protect and empower our communities.

We are known for providing our clients with personalized, compassionate legal counsel and dedicated advocacy throughout the legal process. We are nationally recognized for our long history of success and our commitment to fighting for people’s rights.

Contact us at (877) 344-4628 to request a complimentary case evaluation. Hablamos español.