Bernstein & Maryanoff

Florida Personal Injury Lawyers
Helping Survivors of False Imprisonment

When people hear the term 'false imprisonment', most thoughts drift to an unlawful arrest or some other legal scenario.  However, when it comes to Florida personal injury law , false imprisonment is what is considered an intentional tort that gives rise to the potential for liability that attaches to the defendant, which may or may not involve the police or governmental agencies.  Below is a brief introduction to this issue, and anyone who has been falsely imprisoned needs to seek the immediate help of Florida personal injury lawyers .

What is False Imprisonment?

False imprisonment in Florida is basically defined as the unlawful keeping of someone in a confined space for an appreciable period of time.  This period of time must also include no reasonable means of escape, and the person who is being held against his or her will must reasonably believe that there is no choice but to remain in place.

False imprisonment can be accomplished with the use of brute physical force, but the use of such force is not necessary.  The person who is being held must simply hold the reasonable belief that he or she will be harmed if an escape is attempted.  Whether force is actually used can make a difference in terms of damages sought and awarded.

Who Can be Guilty of False Imprisonment?

False imprisonment can involve an unlawful arrest and detention by authorities such as police officers or other government officials, but it can also include any private party who acts in much the same manner.  The person who is being held against his or her will does not necessarily need to be confined to a very small space, but can be confined in any area where his or her freedom of movement is tangibly limited.  This can include a home, an office or some other location.

What Damages are Available for False Imprisonment?

While false imprisonment is a crime in Florida, this does not mean that a person who has been held against his or her will cannot still bring a Florida personal injury lawsuit that seeks monetary compensation as a remedy.  Generally, a person who brings such a lawsuit can seek damages that compensate him or her for the time that he or she was unlawfully detained, for the pain and suffering he or she endured, for any medical costs that arise as a result of the false imprisonment and could potentially pursue punitive damages in certain cases.

If you have been held against your will by a police officer, government official, supervisor at work or anyone else, you need to seek the help of Florida personal injury lawyers who understand this issue and who can help you obtain justice.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.