Dayton Civil Rights Lawyer | Schedule a Consultation

When someone crosses the line and tramples your civil rights, it doesn’t just sting; it affects your life. Sleepless nights. A knot in your stomach. The fear that speaking up will make things worse. You’re not imagining it; that weight is real. A seasoned civil rights lawyer in Dayton can help carry that weight with you, force accountability, and help you reclaim your peace.

You don’t have to go toe-to-toe with a school district, city agency, employer, or jail alone. The Cooper Elliott civil rights violations playbook is simple: listen hard, investigate fast, secure proof, and press for results that actually change lives, not just numbers on a check.

Over the last 30 years, we have represented hundreds of clients across Ohio and recovered over $700 million in damages. Our professional and compassionate legal team recognizes that the legal process can be confusing, and finding the right lawyer can be a challenge. Call today for a free consultation.

What a Dayton Civil Rights Attorney Actually Does

A Cooper Elliott civil rights lawyer will:

Cut through the noise: Pull police reports, medical charts, HR files, grievance records, and internal policies. Spot contradictions, gaps, and sloppy procedures.
Lock down evidence: Body-cam, jail video, dispatch audio, emails, door logs, training manuals, use-of-force reports. If it exists, we go get it before it “goes missing.”
Bring in experts: Physicians, psychologists, jail-operations pros, digital forensics experts, and employment specialists who can explain what happened and why it never should have.
Shield you from pushback: Retaliation is real. Our law firm steps in quickly with notices, preservation letters, and court orders that send a message: back off.
Push for meaningful damages: Money matters, but so does dignity. We fight for full compensation and policy changes that stop the same harm from steamrolling the next person.

For a free legal consultation with a Personal Injury lawyer serving Dayton, call (614) 481-6000

Dayton Civil Rights Cases We Handle

Dayton civil rights lawyers at Cooper Elliott can help you pursue compensation if you need a:

Dayton police misconduct & excessive force lawyer: Victims of taser misuse, pepper spray inside cruisers, baton strikes, unlawful home entries, failure to intervene, and cover-ups can pursue money for their damages.
Dayton jail & prison abuse lawyer: Inmates who suffered from medical neglect, suicide risk ignored, assaults by staff or inmates, unsafe segregation, lack of ADA access, or denial of critical medications can seek damages.
Dayton wrongful conviction lawyer: If you’ve had your wrongful conviction overturned, our experienced attorneys can help you pursue compensation to start your life anew after your horrible experience.
Dayton retaliation lawyer: Whistleblowers, students, and public employees who have been punished for reporting misconduct or exercising free speech can seek compensation for the harm caused by the retaliation.
Dayton discrimination lawyer: Those who have been discriminated against for their race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, pregnancy, or LGBTQ+ status in schools, housing, employment, or while dealing with government services can pursue damages.
Dayton clergy sexual abuse lawyer: Victims of sexual abuse can seek compensation from the institutions that protected abusers.

If you’re seeing your story in any of those situations, you’re in the right place.

Dayton Civil Rights Lawyer Near Me (614) 481-6000

Why Civil Rights Cases Feel So Hard

Civil rights violation cases often pit one person against an outfit with deep pockets and deeper denial. Records “can’t be found,” memories go fuzzy, and the blame somehow shifts to the victim. That’s not bad luck, it’s strategy.

A disciplined Dayton civil rights lawyer flips that script with subpoenas, expert analysis, and a tempo that forces the truth into daylight.

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Do You Really Need a Dayton Civil Rights Attorney?

Yes. The rules, deadlines, and immunity defenses are unforgiving. Miss a filing date, and the courthouse door can slam shut. Say the wrong thing to an investigator, and you hand the other side their best argument.

Hiring a focused civil rights lawyer keeps you off those landmines and turns scattered facts into a winning case.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

What Compensation Can Look Like

Every case is different, but strong results can include:

Medical and mental–health care: ER visits, specialist care, therapy, prescriptions, and long-term treatment
Lost income: Time off work, career hits, and future earning impact
Emotional distress: Nightmares, anxiety, depression, and the day-to-day weight that follows you everywhere
Loss of reputation and dignity: Harm to your name in the community, humiliation, and the loss of trust
Quality–of–life harms: Hobbies shelved, family routines shaken, and the simple joys you were forced to give up
Punitive damages: When conduct is outrageous, the law can allow extra damages to punish and deter
Policy and training changes: Settlements and judgments that force real fixes inside agencies and institutions

What to Do Right Now

When you realize your civil rights have been violated, you should immediately:

Write everything down: Record dates, times, names, badge numbers, locations, witnesses, and what each person said.
Save evidence: Photos, videos, screenshots, emails, DMs, voicemails, medical discharge papers; collect all of it.
Get medical and mental–health care. Your health is the priority, and it also creates a record of harm.
Call a lawyer quickly. Deadlines in civil rights cases can be short. Fast action preserves proof.

What Sets Our Team Apart

At Cooper Elliott, our civil rights attorneys in Dayton build a strong case from the start. You will notice our attention to:

Speed: Evidence ages by the hour. We move first and ask nicely later.
Focus: Not every injustice is a lawsuit. We target the claims with teeth.
Clarity: You’ll always know what’s next, why it matters, and how we’re measuring progress.
Courage: We don’t blink at big agencies, complex expert work, or a courtroom packed with uniforms.

FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions about civil rights violations.

What Laws Apply to Civil Rights Cases?

Federal statutes such as 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the ADA, Title VII, and the Fair Housing Act, as well as Ohio law may apply in your case. Which one fits depends on who harmed you and how they did so.

Can I Sue the City or County?

Often, yes, you can sue the city or county, but you must show the harm traces back to a policy, training failure, supervision breakdown, or custom. That proof comes from records and expert review.

How Long Do These Cases Take?

It varies. Some resolve in months, while others run longer, especially when experts and depositions stack up. The point is steady pressure and a clean record.

Will I Have to Talk to Officials Again?

Maybe. When you have counsel, you won’t be alone in any meeting, interview, or hearing. Your rights come first.

Ready to Talk to a Dayton Civil Rights Lawyer?

Your story deserves oxygen and a plan. A dedicated civil rights lawyer in Dayton will listen, investigate, and push for change, both personal and systemic. No fluff. No false promises. Just straight talk and decisive action.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation. Bring your notes, your messages, and your questions. Let’s get your footing back and ensure this never happens to anyone else.

Call or text (614) 481-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Contact Cooper Elliott today

Recent Reviews

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Gina Nostramo

18:58 07 Oct 25

I couldn't be more pleased with my experience with Cooper Elliott. From day one, Sean Alto and his team were not only professional and knowledgeable but also incredibly compassionate. They truly understood what I was going through and made sure I felt supported every step of the way. Their patience, empathy, and dedication made the entire legal process easy and stress-free, so I could focus on my recovery. Thanks to their hard work, I received the compensation I needed to move forward with my life. I highly recommend Cooper Elliott to anyone seeking a personal injury lawyer.

Gabriel Gessler

21:15 24 Jul 25

I cannot recommend Cooper Elliot enough.

I was involved in a serious car accident after just having welcoming our new son into the world.

When you are at your lowest, you remember with great detail how people treat you. Sean and his team treated me and my family with nothing but compassion, grace and care.

The stress, anxiety, and fear were only mitigated by the EXTRAORDINARY passion, care, and speed this firm operates at.

A huge thank you to Sean Alto with his incredible professionalism. I never once felt that Sean and the team at Cooper Elliot had anything other than my best interest.

Thank you Cooper Elliot for being a light during a very challenging time.

Sharon Rehl

16:34 12 Jun 25

I just closed out a case with Bart Keyes, and it was a long, but very good experience. Kim Cecil was fantastic in getting me the things that I needed to do so we could present a strong case. This was my first time ever doing something like this, and Bart's guidance was flawless. He kept me calm during the mediation process and answered all of my questions. We were on the same page, and he represented everything I needed. I would HIGHLY recommend Bart and this firm to anyone who needs representation! Thank you Bart and Kim!

Theresa Taylor

17:55 11 Jun 25

I recently had the pleasure of speaking to (Sean Alto) the Cooper-Elliott law firm and although they could not take my case they directed me to other lawyers that would be more in the wheelhouse of our case. They called me back in a timely manner and were very nice to counsel me about the facts in our case and absolutely truthful, kind and caring with me. I would definitely recommend this law firm to others. Thankful, Terri Taylor

Jennifer Krauss

19:00 09 Jun 25

Cooper Elliott is a top notch law firm that settled my daughter’s accident. The first time we met in person, Sean Alto came to meet us in my daughter’s hospital room. He has a warm demeanor, and a nice conversational tone. Throughout our discussion and setting expectations, we knew we could trust him. His approach is kind and thoughtful and he has a lot of previous experience that aided to understanding the steps our case would take. It took approximately 6 months to settle our case. We worked closely with Michael Tonovitz for catch-ups and questions. He and Kimberly Burroughs helped a great deal with explanations, patience and humanity. I couldn’t recommend a better law firm for any case more than Cooper Elliott.

Heather Stone

12:01 10 May 25

I can’t thank this legal team enough for the way they handled my case. From start to finish, they were compassionate, understanding, and truly knowledgeable in navigating such a sensitive and difficult matter. Their guidance gave me strength, and their dedication ensured a just outcome. They helped me achieve exactly what I was hoping for—justice, closure, and a sense of resolution. I’m deeply grateful for their support and expertise.

Nancy

15:23 30 Apr 25

Unfortunately I am a seasoned client with many lawyers. Lawyers that were unethical, uncaring, lazy and unknowledgeable about my circumstances. Finally I found a lawyer with an exceptional law firm who is not only professional and knowledgeable but his ethics and dedication to my case was immeasurable. Sean Alto, with Cooper Elliott Law Firm represented me in malpractice case against another attorney. Although I didn't get to see my original case through I was able to recover the damages with Sean. This was possible because I was represented by a one of a kind lawyer who treats his clients and his work load personally as though it is " his case". Cooper Elliott is a top law firm and they make sure that as the client you are well informed, well taken care of and treated respectfully. Thank you for everything Sean Alto

Jenna Snodgrass

22:43 23 Apr 25

I was in an accident last June. I was overwhelmed with everything I had to deal with after my accident, along with recovering. I needed legal help, so I eventually was referred to Kaela King. Her compassion, knowledge, and professionalism is what makes her the best at what she does. While going through my case she helped me advocate not only for myself but my wellbeing, and my physical health. I can’t thank Kaela and Sophie enough for all that they did to help me through a very difficult time. If you’re wondering if you should use Cooper and Elliot, you absolutely should they are amazing at walking you through the steps and helping any way that they can!

Danny Hunt

17:28 18 Apr 25

Kaela was incredible. She helped me navigate through I world I know nothing about and did it with grace, patience and love. She asked good questions, and gave sound wisdom while all the while making me feel like the most important thing in the world. I am extremely grateful for her help and assistance. No one every wants to be in a situation where they need legal help but Kaela's attention to detail, persistence, patience, and wisdom made her simply the best thing for my family and I at the time. I would highly recommend her services for any number of reason and qualifications.

A Mape

19:05 16 Mar 25

Rex Elliott at Cooper Elliott is truly exceptional. He was the perfect balance of empathy and toughness—understanding my issue deeply while giving me unwavering confidence throughout the entire process. One of the things I appreciated most was how easy he was to reach and communicate with, always making me feel heard and supported. Thanks to his expertise, we had a resolution within just three days and received everything we asked for. I couldn’t have asked for a better advocate. Rex is simply the best! Highly recommend!

official PRODICAL

18:35 19 Feb 25

I spoke on the phone with a young lady name Tammy, an absolute angel. She was there for me emotionally through the phone after my financial crisis and she allowed me to vent and she was very supportive and understanding to me. She led me in the direction on the right ladies for my current situation and I am very thankful to have crossed paths with her. She had a sense of humor that brought my mood from down to back up and trusting faith we will get thru this. Thank you again for the motivation Tammy.

Christina Coppel

13:06 16 Oct 24

I worked with Rex and Adam along with multiple others. The team was extremely knowledgeable and transparent through my entire case to help me best understand my options. I felt supported during a very difficult time and was confident in the advice I received.

Sara Eldred

23:35 03 Aug 24

I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service provided by Sean Alto, Ben Cooper, Sommer Donnelly, and the entire team at Cooper Elliott during my personal injury case. Sean took on my case with urgency, compassion, and expertise that made a challenging time filled with uncertainty much more manageable.

Their thorough understanding of the legal process, combined with a compassionate approach, ensured that I felt supported and informed every step of the way. They fought tirelessly on my behalf, resulting in a settlement that exceeded my expectations.

I highly recommend Sean, Ben, or any of the phenomenal experts with Cooper Elliott to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney. Their commitment to their clients and their ability to achieve outstanding results truly sets them apart. Thank you, Sean and the Cooper Elliott team for your hard work and for helping me achieve justice. I couldn't imagine going through something like this with anyone else.

Michelle Clever

21:51 16 Jul 24

Attorney Kaela King is an exceptional legal professional who I wholeheartedly recommend for anyone seeking expert legal counsel. Attorney King demonstrated unparalleled dedication, expertise, and empathy.

Her deep knowledge of the law combined with her sharp analytical skills ensured that every aspect of my case was thoroughly examined and strategically handled. What truly sets Attorney King apart is her genuine care for her clients. She took the time to listen attentively to my concerns, explained complex legal jargon in a clear manner, and always kept me informed about the progress of my case.

Throughout the entire process, Attorney King exhibited a high level of professionalism and integrity. She approached each challenge with confidence and determination, consistently advocating for my best interests. Her proactive approach and meticulous attention to detail instilled a sense of confidence in me that I was in capable hands.

Thanks to Attorney King's hard work and dedication, I am immensely grateful for her support and guidance during a challenging time. If you are searching for a trustworthy and highly skilled attorney who genuinely cares about her clients, look no further than Attorney Kaela King. She is a true advocate for justice and a beacon of excellence in the legal profession.

Steven Ulry

13:47 10 Jul 24

For the most part when you need legal representation something has not gone well. You are concerned, anxiety is up, you feel low, even frightened, and there does not seem to be a light anywhere around. Thus, I am very happy that I called CooperElliott. Much of that despair began to lift, I knew I had someone behind me, in front of me, beside me, and that I was not alone. I was treated like I had been a client for forever by everyone I was in contact with and met with. A great firm that will fight for you, and that means a great deal when you need someone who will do that with you. Thank you CooperElliott.

Felix Santiago Miralles Hernandez

15:35 09 May 24

Ben good lawyer, he schedule a zoom to hear my case. Could not help me, but he answer every question i had. Help me what i need to do next, i was very helpfull. Recommended. Type of lawyer that is no looking fo the money, he really wanted to help.

Megan Frognowski

13:14 29 Apr 24

I highly recommend Kaela King. She provided efficient and effective legal consultation over the phone and via email. Her communications were clear, timely, and respectful.

Annie Lewis

18:41 23 Apr 24

I highly recommend Kaela King. She provided compassionate and supportive legal consultation over the phone that provided me with clear guidance and answers to my legal questions.

Federico Rubiano

19:47 05 Apr 24

Even though Mr. Cooper wasn’t able to take my case, he was kind enough to point me in the right direction and answer all my questions, regarding my matter. I appreciate your time!

Kim Hoover

14:54 03 Apr 24

Through the law firm Cooper Elliott, I dealt with attorney, Bart Keyes. Bart was very thorough and understood that I Had no clue of how this process would go. Bart took the time needed to help educate me on this process for a very positive outcome.
I can’t thank Bart and the staff at Cooper Elliott enough for all they have done for me. I am now able to move on with my life!

Anthony Johnson

16:51 29 Mar 24

My name is Anthony Johnson and I just spoke with Ben Cooper about a wrongful accusation case, unfortunately they don't take on cases such as these but Ben gave me some valuable information and I could tell he really was trying to help me. Very knowledgeable and a great listener. Give him all call for anything law related. Made me feel important.

Brian Hewitt

03:46 23 Mar 24

I worked with Adam Richards and his team. They were empathetic to my situation and extremely professional. I don't know what I would have done without their expert guidance and counsel. Adam really knows his stuff, and it was clear he had an excellent rapport with all who assisted in the case. Adam's communication abilities were next level. I never had to worry about getting ahold of him when needed. I know he and his team will continue to knock it out of the park for all future clients like they did for me.

Chris Sullivan

14:10 02 Mar 24

My husband, Bob and I were injured in an automobile accident in December, 2022 when someone came through a Stop sign. We contacted Cooper Elliott, and were fortunate to work with Sean Alto and Kaela King. They came to our home several times to meet us and discuss the case, and got to know us personally as well as professionally. They really care about their clients! In addition, Michael Tonovitz stayed in contact with us to keep us informed on the progress of the case, which was resolved to our satisfaction.
We highly recommend this law firm for personal injury!

Dads Specialty

14:06 15 Feb 24

Highly Recommend Jon with Cooper & Elliott firm. He was very responsive and went above and beyond to help with our situation. Can't thank him enough for everything he has done for us. He will be our "Guy" moving forward for any legal help!!

Ayesha Ansari

23:14 25 Jan 24

Excellent firm i am so glad I found cooper Elliot. My attorneys Jon and Adam helped me through the entire process

Katie Farina

15:39 21 Dec 23

I am so glad I found cooper Elliot. My attorneys Jon and Adam helped me through the entire process. After a traumatic experience in my life I was confused and in pain. They worked tirelessly to become familiar with all the details of my story and represented me in a way that made me more able to process and understand the trauma myself. This was huge for me, while there’s still healing to do, I can do that work now instead of staying in a purgatory of cognitive dissonance. They didn’t just win justice for me, they are a significant part of my healing journey. They were validating, non judgmental, honest, and knowledgeable.

Cindi Rourk

17:29 15 Dec 23

Excellent firm. The firm was referred to us for a commercial dispute. Bart Keyes is a master negotiator and kept us informed at all times. Highly recommend.

A D

16:10 08 Dec 23

Jonathan Bond handled a personal injury claim for me quickly with maximum results. He’s pleasant and enjoyable to work with, as well as compassionate. The firm handled all the legwork of getting medical records and copies of paperwork, which not all firms do. I would recommend Jonathan to anyone and would definitely go back to him if the need were to arise again.

Joe Miller

12:19 02 Sep 23

Very satisfied! We dealt with Bart Keyes who showed genuine interest in our situation. Bart was always very quick to respond when we had questions and kept us informed throughout the case. If you need legal representation for a commercial real estate dispute we highly recommend Bart and the Cooper Elliot firm!

Melanie Zook

08:42 23 Jul 23

I honestly struggle to find the words to describe how incredible this firm is, especially Jeffrey Kenny and Sean Alto. 7 years ago, my family started a journey through a nightmare. When the criminal justice system fell woefully short, Jeff agreed to take on our incredibly challenging and lengthy case, with no other reason than that it was the right thing to do, and he believed we deserved justice. There were so many times when I would have understood if they walked away, but they refused and vowed to get us the justice we deserved, and almost 7 years later, they have given my family just that. I will never, ever, forget what they have done for us. We were never just another case. They made us feel like we were their ONLY case! Thank you will never come close to the gratitude and respect I have for Jeff and Sean, as well as for Cooper Elliott. They will be superheroes in our home, forever!

CM Buzzard

15:30 21 Jul 23

Everyone from top to bottom in this company is always polite and ready to help. and no matter what is thrown their way, it's handled quickly and skillfully. Whoever represents you will show themselves to be a master in their craft. You can feel safe working with Cooper Elliott.

Matt Boaz

11:20 16 Jun 23

I would highly recommend Cooper Elliott to any of my friends and family! Chip Cooper was extremely helpful guiding me through a difficult process. Chip was patient with me and provided feedback during the process that kept me informed until the desired outcome was achieved. There were interactions with other staff of the firm (whose names I do not know) that were helpful as well, I was impressed with the entire team!

Jason Hick

06:30 17 May 23

Adam Richards is the best attorney I have ever met. He is responsive and very patient (I had a lot of questions) and he truly cares. He fought hard for me and he stands up to the bully. he is not afraid to take on anyone. Anytime I hear someone who has a legal issue I go out of my way to recommend Adam. He is unlike any attorney I have ever met. He is compassionate and he always answers his phone. There is no way I would have got the results I received with any other attorney. He was a bulldog in my case and really went to bat for me. Words cant express how grateful I am to him. His actions personally affected my life in a very positive way. He protected me in so many ways I couldn't begin to name them. It is a great feeling when you know your attorney outmatches the other party's attorney and it is obvious.

Civil Rights Lawyer in Dayton