Regardless of the reasons you are serving time in a California correctional institution, it is important to realize that you do not give up important civil rights as an inmate. The Bill of Rights to the US Constitution still operates to protect you from cruel and unusual punishment as well as unreasonable search and seizure.
Your constitutional rights of due process and your right to equal protection under the law are in full effect despite being incarcerated. However, the fact that you have rights does not always prevent officials from engaging in misconduct.
If you are injured as a result, you may have legal options to recover an injury settlement and our El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers can assist with the process. Please contact our office to schedule a no-cost case evaluation with a Huntington Beach Personal Injury Lawyer today. We can provide specifics on your remedies, but an overview may be useful.
How Inmates Suffer Injuries While Incarcerated
In such a controlled environment with numerous restrictions, it is surprising that inmate abuse is a common threat in California correctional facilities. Injuries are typically the result of:
- Prison Guard Misconduct: Correctional officers cause harm through excessive force, beatings, overuse of handcuffs, tasing or use of pepper spray, and many other forms of mistreatment.
- Correctional Facility: The jail as an entity may cause inmate injuries if it is overcrowded, filthy, or lacking in basic infrastructure. Policies on solitary confinement can also constitute abuse.
- Violence by Other Inmates: A correctional facility might look the other way or do nothing to protect you from attacks, sexual assault, or violent abuse by other prisoners.
In all three scenarios, the prison may be liable for the injuries to an inmate because of civil rights violations.
Legal Remedies for Injured Inmates
El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers can explain your options if you suffered bodily harm while incarcerated at a California correctional facility. You may qualify to sue the prison and recover monetary damages, and our team will assist with the process.
We start by conducting an investigation, which is a challenge when dealing with a prison. Our Huntington Beach inmate personal injury attorneys will also pursue appropriate legal remedies to ensure you receive full financial recovery for such losses as:
- Medical costs to treat your injuries;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Emotional distress.
In addition, you may be entitled to equitable relief in which you request the court to issue an order directing certain actions. For instance, a judge could order the facility to address overcrowding, ensure sanitary conditions, or terminate an abusive guard.
You Can Rely on a Huntington Beach Personal Injury Lawyer for Inmates
This summary may be useful, but should also convince you of the need for experienced legal representation if you are an inmate who suffers from personal injuries.
For more information on your rights and remedies, please contact an experienced Huntington Beach Personal Injury Lawyer with El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers at 213-985-1120 or complete our online form. We can set up a free consultation to review your circumstances and determine the next steps.