New York Prison Injury

It is not unusual for prison inmates to suffer injuries. While some inmates are violent and intentionally brutalize other inmates, inmates are also injured by corrections officers and other prison staff. While the job off a corrections officer is to maintain control of inmates, they are not permitted violate the rights of inmates in the process. Far too often inmates are seriously injured at the hands of corrections officers who are not only violating prison policy, they are also breaking the law. If you are someone you care about suffered a serious injury while in prison, immediately contact a New York prison injury lawyer at Stephen Bilkis & Associates. With over 20 years of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims, we are here to help.

Just because someone was convicted of a crime, even a serious crime, and must serve time in prison, does not mean that all of their rights are taken away from them. It is true that prison inmates do not have all the same rights as those who are not in prison. It is also true that they do retain many rights. Inmates have the right to:

• Receive medical treatment. When prisoners are sick or injured, they have the right to receive appropriate treatment. If a corrections officer refused to arrange for treatment, that corrections officers would have violated the inmate’s rights.
• Be protected from violence. Not only is it a violation of prisoners’ rights for corrections officers to assault them, it is also a violation for corrections officers to fail to protect them from assault from other inmates. While corrections officers cannot prevent all inmate violence, they can make their best efforts to prevent it and stop it when it does happen.
• Not be punished arbitrarily or excessively. While inmates can be disciplined for breaking rules, the discipline cannot be arbitrary or excessive. Inmates have the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.
• Freedom from discrimination. Inmates do not give up their constitutional right to be free from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.
• Retaliation for reporting misconduct. Inmates have the right to report corrections officer misconduct to an experienced New York prison injury lawyer as well as the appropriate authorities without fear of retaliation from the corrections officer or other prison personnel.

When the rights of inmates are ignored or violated, inmates often suffer serious personal injury.

• Assault. When corrections officers assault inmates, use excessive force, or mete out cruel and unusual punishment, inmates can get hurt. They can suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, spinal injury leading to permanent paralysis, several lacerations, and more. These injuries require prompt medical attention. Some may result in permanent damage or disability. Some may lead to wrongful death.
• Sexual assault. Sexual assault is a problem in prison. Assaults are committed by both inmates and prison staff. Sexual assault can lead to a variety of serious injuries and psychological damage. It can also lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy.
• Failing to provide medical treatment. Inmates have the right to receive medical treatment when they are sick or injured. If a corrections officer fails to ensure that a sick or injured inmate receives timely medical care, their condition could worsen or the inmate could die.

When prison personnel fail to do their jobs and violate the rights off inmates, the inmate has the right to contact an experienced prison injury attorney serving New York to explore their options for pursuing justice through civil action.

We agree that when someone breaks the law, they must face the consequences, including serving time in prison. However, we do not agree that it is acceptable to treat inmates inhumanely. If you or someone you love has been assaulted, denied property medical care, or have been the victim of any other type of misconduct by prison officials, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced prison injury attorney in New York at Stephen Bilkis & Associates. Because there are time limitations for bringing a claim, it is critical that you contact use right away at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Staten Island, Long Island, and Westchester County.