2020 protests ➔ Swipe Right if you Protested in Support of the Movement for Black Lives
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Identifier:
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Description
Instagram post from June 29, 2020 at https://www.instagram.com/p/CCBa4N8D8Jo/ including a series of six images.Text accompanying the post reads:
New Resource From Ohio Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild
Were you injured by police or in custody while protesting in support of the Movement for Black Lives?
If you might want to join or file a civil rights lawsuit about police violence, arrests, or injuries in custody, be sure to DOCUMENT!
Pictures/Video: > Take pictures and/or video of your injuries as soon as you can after they happen > Continue to take pictures every few days until the injuries heal completely > Whenever taking pictures, be sure to get up-close pictures and pictures far enough away to show where on your body the injuries are located
Notes: > As soon as you can, write down a description of who injured you and how they did it > Keep notes on your injuries from the time they happen until they heal -- describe any related pain, numbness, or other sensations > Keep notes on medical treatment, including when, where, and who treated you > Keep copies of receipts for treatment or any other costs in your file
Keep your notes, photos, and videos in a safe, confidential place.
Mark your notes as “WORK PRODUCT.”
If you work with a lawyer later, share your documentation with them.
Other things to keep in mind: 1) Consult with a qualified lawyer to talk about timing and deadlines for any individual suit or group suit – and how lawsuits might affect mass defense in ongoing criminal cases. 2) Remember that plea deals in criminal cases might affect your ability to pursue a civil rights suit. Consult a qualified attorney to discuss your specific case. 3) Call the Ohio NLG hotline (216-5050-NLG) so we can provide social movement support in coordination with emergent legal strategies.
DISCLAIMER — This card is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice.
The Ohio Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild (Ohio NLG) aims to provide a general description of legal and practical issues that protesters might face. Be aware that each person’s circumstances are unique, and minor factual differences may result in very different outcomes.
For answers to specific legal questions or if you need legal advice, consult a qualified attorney.