Excessive Force Involving Non-Lethal Weapons

When “Non-Lethal” Becomes Life-Changing

After getting hit with a rubber bullet, Tased without warning, or sprayed in the face with chemicals that burn your lungs, your life doesn't go back to normal. It’s terrifying, painful, and for many people, it’s permanent. These so-called "non-lethal" weapons leave real scars. In way too many cases, they land innocent people in the ER. Excessive force attorneys know that "less lethal" doesn’t mean harmless.

If something like this happened to you, you're probably overwhelmed and unsure of what comes next. How the law treats excessive force varies depending on where you are. New York applies different legal standards compared to places like Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont, especially when it comes to what courts consider "reasonable" use of force or how immunity laws are applied.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our attorneys understand how devastating these moments can be. We’re here to take that weight off your shoulders, fight for the justice you deserve, and make sure your voice is heard.

Weapons That Weren't Supposed to Hurt You This Much

You’ve probably been told these tools are designed to keep people safe. But when they hit the streets, they often do the opposite. What’s sold as protection can end up as pain.

Tasers, Pepper Spray, and Rubber Bullets: The Not-So-Safe Tools of Control

You hear "non-lethal" and think you're safe, right? But out on the streets, especially during protests, it’s a different story. These weapons may sound less dangerous, but they leave people with serious injuries all the time. And the ways they harm you aren’t random. The damage shows up in very specific, often devastating ways: 

• Tasers can trigger heart problems, especially if you already have medical conditions. 
• Pepper spray might seem temporary, but for people with asthma or skin conditions, the effects can be long-term. 
• Rubber bullets are supposed to be "safer" than real ammo, but a shot to the face can mean lost vision or fractured bones. 

The label might say "non-lethal," but the damage is often very real. That’s why it’s so important to stand up and pursue justice because your story deserves to be heard and your rights protected.

From Training Manuals to Times Square: How Reality Doesn't Match the Rules

Police in the U.S. use force on about 300,000 people each year, and many people are injured by so-called "less-lethal" weapons in the process. These tools are marketed as safer alternatives, but in reality, they can also cause serious harm and leave people with lasting harm.

Training manuals claim these tools are meant to de-escalate tense situations. But when emotions run high on crowded streets, officers sometimes skip straight to force.

“Non-Lethal” Is a Lie: What These Weapons Actually Do to Real People

Since the early 2000s, over 1,000 deaths have been tied to police Taser use. That number shows a troubling pattern that can’t be brushed off as rare or accidental.

These so‑called non‑lethal weapons can leave people blind, dependent on ventilators, or struggling with lifelong nerve damage. These aren’t freak accidents. They’re the predictable consequences of powerful tools being used recklessly.

“Non‑lethal” might sound reassuring, but the reality is anything but. You deserve to know what these weapons actually do and how often they leave lasting scars. When the line is crossed, pursuing an excessive force lawsuit becomes a way to shine light on the truth, demand accountability, and push for change.

When Officers Go Too Far in the Five Boroughs

Some cities may be tougher, more crowded, and more unpredictable. But that’s no excuse when force crosses the line. It only takes one rash decision from an officer to turn an ordinary day into a nightmare.

Snap Decisions. Brutal Outcomes. Why Overuse Happens Again and Again

When fear takes over or training fails, officers sometimes act fast and hit hard. They reach for a Taser before trying to talk, or fire rubber bullets into a crowd without checking who’s in the line of fire.

That’s a recipe for disaster particularly in dense and unpredictable cities. One quick decision on a subway platform or intersection can leave someone with life-changing injuries or even result in a wrongful shooting that never should’ve happened.

From Pain to Permanence: What These Injuries Really Mean

Devastating injuries from police brutality can alter everything from your health to your livelihood. And when you look closer, these injuries aren’t abstract. They show up in very specific ways that often form the basis of lawsuits demanding accountability:

• Brain trauma from falls: a split second impact can leave you with memory loss, headaches, or permanent disability.
• Crushed bones from rubber bullets: these projectiles can shatter facial bones, ribs, or joints, changing how you move forever.
• Burn scars from chemical agents: chemical burns often leave visible reminders that affect both your health and confidence.
• Panic attacks that don’t go away: the psychological toll lingers, making everyday tasks feel impossible when anxiety takes over.

These are outcomes rooted in government misconduct, not just random misfortune so someone must be held accountable. Not only do they leave you with pain. They reshape your future.

Inside the Courtroom: What Judges Think About Excessive Force

The Department of Justice policy says police can only use force that’s "objectively reasonable." But what’s "reasonable" when you’re lying on the ground, already handcuffed, and still getting tased?

A judge will look at context. Were you resisting? Were you armed? Were you warned? They’ll also consider if you were racially targeted. Statistics underscore why that matters: 36% of people injured by Tasers or similar weapons are Black despite being just 13.6% of the population.

Proving the Truth from the Steps of the Bronx Courthouse to Brooklyn's Streets

Behind every claim is a question: what really happened? From the courthouse steps to everyday sidewalks, evidence is what cuts through doubt and brings the truth into focus.

Medical Proof That Paints a Harsh Picture

Your injuries tell the story. But to the court, it’s your medical records that do the talking. If you’ve been to the ER, had surgery, or needed rehab, don’t toss that paperwork as it matters. Those records show just how severe your situation really is from the moment of arrest until the point you may be illegally detained.

Digging Through Red Tape: What Internal Policies Reveal About Officer Conduct

Every police officer is supposed to follow rules like those in the 2020 MPTC Model Policy, which sets out how and when force should be used. But policies on paper don’t always match what happens on the street. Internal records can reveal gaps in training, ignored warnings, or even patterns of complaints against the same officer. If something doesn’t add up, these files may provide the evidence that explains why.

Ready to Take Back Your Power

The journey after police overreach is exhausting. You may feel angry, unheard, and unsure of what comes next. You deserve someone in your corner who recognizes the toll it takes and is prepared to fight for your future. When you’re ready to take action, reach out to Horn Wright, LLP, to connect with excessive force attorneys who understand these struggles and can guide you toward justice.