Use Of Taser Guns By The Police

Since 2003 the police have been allowed to carry Taser guns. Carrying weapons comes with it a weight of responsibility: it’s essential that the police only use them when absolutely necessary, and that they follow correct procedure when they do.

The police are allowed to use Tasers when they are faced with serious threat of violence and they consider that the use of the Taser is reasonable and proportionate to the threat they face. But we place a great deal of trust in them to know what constitutes a serious threat and how much force is ‘reasonable’.

Being arrested or restrained can be a terrifying experience; when a weapon is used this can make it even more frightening – especially if it is used inappropriately or unnecessarily. Many people have been injured by Tasers during peaceful protests, when being arrested and when they have already been put in handcuffs.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a Taser, our specialist lawyers could help you claim compensation and get the answers you deserve.

The physical and psychological effects of a Taser can be serious, including:

Heart attack (especially when there is a pre-existing heart condition)
Breathing problems
Emotional trauma

Our expert lawyers have extensive experience dealing with claims against the police and can help you get the resolution you need to move forwards. Making a complaint against the police can be a daunting prospect – but we are here to help you through the process.

For more information on making a Taser gun claim, call 0800 028 1943 or fill out our online enquiry form.

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Fiona McGhie Associate Meet the Team

Taser Gun Claims - More Information

I feel like I've taken on the world and beaten it, not just for me but for everyone else.”

Mrs R, Client

Veteran Tasered By Police During PTSD Episode

"Clearly there are a number of serious concerns about the way Michael was dealt with by police. Better training for front line officers is necessary to ensure that Michael’s experience is less likely to be repeated in future." - Gus Silverman, Solicitor

"The psychological impact of being Tasered has been really hard to deal with. I am pleased that the police have finally agreed to pay damages to reflect the harm they have done, but it is very difficult for me to understand why they haven’t apologised.” - Client

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Taser And What Injuries Can It Cause?

A Taser is an electro-shock weapon designed to incapacitate someone temporarily. It is a hand-held weapon much like a pistol, but bright yellow.

The gun fires two dart-like electrodes, which then conduct the electrical current into a person’s body, causing strong involuntary muscle contractions. This means a person shot with a Taser will either stop in their tracks or drop to the ground. Anyone who has been shot with a Taser should be examined by a doctor (it is police procedure to ensure this happens).

Being shot with a Taser is very painful and can trigger pre-existing heart conditions, causing severe respiratory problems or even a heart attack. This is also a risk if someone is under the influence of drugs.

Although the effects of a Taser shot are meant to be temporary, the experience can leave long-lasting psychological scars – especially alongside the distress of being arrested or confronted by the police. The gun is designed specifically as a non-lethal weapon to subdue violent confrontation without causing permanent physical injuries, but as with any weapon, there are potential complications which mean that the actual damage can be long term, or even fatal.

If you would like to speak to one of our expert team about the police’s use of Taser guns on you or a loved one, call today on 0800 028 1943 – or fill out our online form and we’ll call you back.

When Are The Police Allowed To Use Taser Guns?

The pain and potential damage caused by Tasers means that they should only be used when absolutely necessary. Not every member of the police carries a Taser, and those that do should be trained to use them appropriately.

Any officer that uses a Taser must justify their decision as being a reasonable response to the level of threat they are dealing with.

However, this rule is not always followed in practice. Many people have also been injured by Tasers because officers discharged the weapon before properly considering alternative options.

We are here to help you if you feel that the police’s use of a Taser on you was unwarranted. We’ve helped many people bring claims against the police and will get you the support, answers and resolution you need.

Call our expert team today on 0800 028 1943 or fill out our online form and we'll call you back.

Why Should I Choose Irwin Mitchell For A Taser Claim?

Our dedicated team of lawyers have considerable experience helping people bring claims for use of Tasers. We are recognised as a leading firm in the field of claims against the police by high profile legal guides Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500, and have successfully brought claims against almost every major police force in the country.

We've successfully represented a number of clients in Taser claims, including:

A diabetic man who suffered a hyperglycaemic fit after being Tasered on a bus by police – we secured a five figure settlement for our client.
An army veteran who was suffering a flashback brought on by his PTSD. The police Tasered him for no reason despite having talked to him for an hour prior to this. We secured a five figure settlement from Bedfordshire police.

Challenging the police can feel like an impossible task, especially when you’ve been made to feel like you are powerless. We will listen to what you have to say and we’ll give you advice in plain English, without technical jargon. We understand the issues you will be facing, and will make sure you’re informed at every stage of your claim.

Making a claim can be important not only for your own benefit but also to inform future practice and ensure others are not treated in the same way. As well as an apology and compensation for your injuries or breach of human rights, we can help you seek reassurances that the same mistakes will not be made again.

Whatever your situation, our specialist lawyers will work hard to get you the best outcome possible.

Call us today on 0800 028 1943 – or use our online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you.

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Use Of Taser Guns By The Police

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Taser Gun Claims - More Information

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Meet the Team

Veteran Tasered By Police During PTSD Episode

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Taser And What Injuries Can It Cause?

When Are The Police Allowed To Use Taser Guns?

Why Should I Choose Irwin Mitchell For A Taser Claim?

Related Information – Taser Gun Claims