Being arrested or in custody doesn’t mean you give up your rights. If law enforcement or prison staff used unnecessary force and caused you harm, you may have a civil rights claim. The Law Office of Joshua Golson represents individuals who’ve been injured by police brutality, excessive force, and misconduct inside jails and prisons. We handle these cases across Columbia and all of South Carolina. Whether you were injured during a traffic stop, while being booked, or while serving time, we’ll listen to what happened and help you take the next step.
Police Brutality and Civil Rights Violations
Not every injury caused by law enforcement qualifies as a legal case, but when officers go beyond what’s needed to control a situation or protect themselves, that’s where civil rights are violated. Common forms of police brutality include being punched, tased, kicked, or thrown to the ground without justification. In some cases, it may involve excessive use of a K9, using a weapon on someone who’s already restrained, or denying someone medical help after an injury. These aren’t just mistakes — they can be serious violations of both your state and federal rights.
Excessive Force During Arrests
Excessive force often happens when emotions are high — during arrests, traffic stops, or while being transported. But officers are trained to stay in control and only use force when necessary. If they escalate the situation or keep using force after someone is no longer resisting, it can lead to serious injuries. These cases can involve broken bones, head injuries, nerve damage, or worse. We look closely at the facts of what happened, review video and witness statements, and fight to hold the right people accountable.
Injuries Inside Jails and Prisons
Civil rights don’t end once you’re behind bars. We represent individuals who’ve been harmed by corrections officers or jail staff while in custody. This can include being beaten, slammed to the ground, or left in unsafe conditions that lead to injury. People in jail are also entitled to medical care — if that care was delayed or denied, and it made your condition worse, that can be part of your claim too. Whether it happened in a county jail or a state prison, we’re here to help you speak up.
We Help Clients Across South Carolina — No Matter Where It Happened
It doesn’t matter if your injury happened in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Florence, or a rural part of the state — we take on cases statewide. We know that police misconduct and civil rights violations aren’t limited to one area, and we’re ready to help no matter where it happened.
What to Do If You Were Hurt by Police or Prison Staff
If you were hurt by law enforcement, what you do next can make a big difference. Get medical care as soon as you can and keep a record of your injuries. Take photos, save any video you have, and write down your memory of what happened while it’s still fresh. Don’t give a statement to police or corrections staff without a lawyer. We’ll walk you through what’s involved, look at the evidence, and give you clear, honest answers.
Why Choose Us
We take these cases seriously. Police departments and jails don’t always make it easy to get answers — and they often try to protect their own. You need someone on your side who knows what to look for and isn’t afraid to challenge the system. At The Law Office of Joshua Golson, we’re committed to helping people who’ve been hurt or mistreated by law enforcement. We’ll give your case the time and attention it deserves and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love was injured by excessive force, whether during an arrest or while in jail or prison, contact The Law Office of Joshua Golson. We serve clients across Columbia and every part of South Carolina. The consultation is free, and you don’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
What counts as excessive force in South Carolina?
Excessive force is when law enforcement or corrections staff use more physical force than is reasonable for the situation. This could include punching, tasing, slamming someone to the ground, using a weapon unnecessarily, or failing to stop once the person is restrained.
Can I sue if I was hurt in jail or prison?
Yes, if you were injured by corrections officers or prison staff, or if you were denied medical care that made your condition worse, you may have a claim. Civil rights laws protect people even while in custody.
How do I prove police brutality or misconduct?
Evidence in these cases can include body cam footage, witness statements, medical records, and any photos or video of your injuries. We’ll help gather and review the facts to build a strong case.
Do I need to live in Columbia to work with your firm?
No. We help clients across the entire state of South Carolina, no matter where the incident happened. You do not need to be local to get help from our team.
Is there a deadline to file a claim?
Yes, civil rights claims have strict deadlines, and in many cases, you have to file a notice or claim quickly. Contacting a lawyer right away can help make sure your case stays on track.
