Civil Rights Attorney

“Our country—when right to be kept right; when wrong to be put right.”

—Carl Schurz

Let’s put it right.

Based in Eureka, California, the Law Office of Benjamin Mainzer, A.P.C., represents people in 42 U.S.C. § 1983 civil rights claims. The office specializes in representing people in state created danger cases—cases where government action exposed people to dangers they would not otherwise have faced.

About Ben Mainzer

Over the years, Ben has won numerous million and multi-million dollar recoveries for his clients who trusted him to represent them following horrible and traumatic events.

In his practice, Ben has successfully represented individuals and families in cases against large corporations, against cities and counties, the State of California and against the United States. Ben has litigated in state and federal court and has argued before the California Supreme Court, Third District Court of Appeal and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He has earned a “superb” rating by the attorney rating service, AVVO–the highest rating possible—and has been recognized as a “Top 40 under 40” by the National Trial Lawyers.

Ben's cases have appeared in both local and national news, including in featured stories in the Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee, Redding Record-Searchlight, the North Coast Journal and Eureka Times-Standard.  He has also appeared on both Fox News and NBC News.

Before entering civil practice, Ben served as a deputy district attorney at the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office. While at the District Attorney’s Office, Ben prosecuted a wide variety of crimes including crimes of violence, crimes involving sexual abuse, crimes of theft and crimes related to animal abuse. He was also responsible for leading a complex multi-year criminal investigation that culminated in a special criminal grand jury indictment.

Ben graduated with general honors from the University of Chicago with a degree in Political Science and from the Vanderbilt University Law School.

Ben lives in Humboldt County with his wife, who is also a lawyer, and two children.

Results

Every case is unique. But past successes show what is possible.

$7,000,000

For persons harmed by police misconduct.

$3,500,000

For a child neglected by child welfare services.

$3,000,000

For a victim of electrocution.

$1,500,000

For victim of traumatic brain injury.

$1,100,000

For family of wrongful death victim.

$1,000,000

For family of wrongful death victim.

$2,000,000

For family of a man killed due to a government failure to follow policies and procedures.

$1,900,000

For victim of spinal cord injury.

$1,700,000

For victim of elder abuse.

What others say about Ben

Testimonials from past clients.

  • Ben never wavered in his support for my mother and the rest of our family. He looked out for not only our legal interests, but also ensured that she had access to the emotional support that she needed following the tragic incident she experienced. Attorneys often earn a bad reputation that their only concern is about the money that they will make. Throughout the entire six-year process, I never felt for one second that money for the law firm was driving Ben’s decision-making. After much work, Ben was able to resolve the case with an outcome that will allow for the care of my mother for the rest of her days. There is no question in my mind who I would hire for future legal needs.

    Clint Duey, Fortuna, CA

  • Ben Mainzer is an advocate in the purest sense of the word. From the day Mr. Mainzer agreed to take my case he championed tirelessly on my behalf for a just recovery. My trust in his abilities afforded me the time to concentrate my energy on my physical recovery. Throughout the process, Ben Mainzer was professional, personable, and careful to explain each step taken in terms I could understand. He was always available to answer questions and I never felt rushed to make an important decision. Mr. Mainzer was always prepared with every contingency covered and carefully guided me through this difficult legal process. No amount of money can ever replace all that’s lost after a serious injury, but Ben Mainzer worked diligently on my behalf to achieve the best resolution possible for which I am forever grateful.

    D.M., Arcata, CA

  • I was represented over a period of 3 years on a wrongful death case by Ben Mainzer. Through the hardest period of my life, Ben was able to be sensitive and compassionate while also providing excellent legal work that led to a very positive outcome. I felt that Ben had my best interests at heart in every way. I never felt pressured as we worked through an emotionally challenging process. At the beginning of this process I expressed specific goals above and beyond financial compensation, and Ben and his team were able to meet every one of those goals. I feel incredibly grateful to have had him as my lawyer.

    A.P., Eureka, CA

  • I struggle in putting this down in words because they seem so inadequate in trying to express the depth of my gratitude for what Benjamin Mainzer has done for me. He was my voice, my champion, my confidante, and my advocate. From the moment I first met Benjamin Mainzer he was straight-forward, personable, compassionate, and professional. Sexual assault is not an easy topic and when I first came into his office, still traumatized by what had happened to me, it was difficult for me to even talk about it out loud. Ben took my case seriously and handled it with grace and dignity. He never flinched, never sugar-coated anything, and was with me every step of the way. Ben was always willing to take my calls, to address my concerns, or to sit down with me and help me understand measures we were taking to move forward with the case. Ben stood up for me and aided me in taking on my assailant. He helped me through the hardest time of my life and though I was terrified, I always knew I could count on him. Benjamin Mainzer is not only an outstanding lawyer, the kind of lawyer you want fighting on your side, he is also a remarkable human being. It is with the highest praise that I recommend him to anyone in need of superb representation.

    Meridith B., Blue Lake, CA

  • I met Ben Mainzer after my child almost lost her life. Ben took every phone call I ever made to him and returned them when he wasn’t available. He listened to me and heard me at my most desperate times. He spent two years and countless hours on our case and never wavered. He is a professional, relentless, courteous and compassionate attorney. Because of Ben Mainzer my child has justice and Humboldt County is a safer place.

    Debra C., Eureka, CA

  • Ben Mainzer was relentless in his efforts to obtain the truth and just compensation for my loss. He guided me through the process, consistently communicating my options and he understands the importance of you, the client, making the ultimate decisions.

    Karen K., Eureka, CA

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”

– Ida B. Wells

Contact Information

It costs nothing to contact Ben, and what you tell him is confidential.