More than 2 million adults in the United States have been inmates at least once in their lifetime, such as in county jails, state penitentiaries, and federal prisons. But the unfortunate reality is that a lot of violence occurs in jails and prisons. If you have been a victim of prison attacks, head to https://www.sullivangalleshaw.com/queens-personal-injury-lawyers/ immediately and learn about your rights and how you can protect them.
The difference between Jails and Prisons
Jails house people with shorter sentences, typically one year or less, and prisons have inmates with sentences longer than one year. Jails are also used to hold inmates who have recently been sentenced and are waiting to be moved to prisons.
Inmates in jails and prisons are monitored around the clock with the help of guards and security cameras. However, injuries can still happen.
What are the common causes of injuries in prison?
Even if you have been sentenced to jail, you still have a right to decent living standards. However, due to the authorities’ negligence, prisoners sometimes get hurt. Some of the causes of prison injuries are:
- Slip and falls
- Transport vehicles crash
- Staff misconduct
- Unsanitary conditions
- Insufficient medical care
- Assault by another inmate
What are your rights if you are assaulted in prison?
It is important to understand your rights to know when these rights have been violated and when you need to take action. Your rights as a prisoner are:
- Under the Constitution’s Eighth Amendment, all prison officials have a legal duty to not use excessive force on the inmates and to protect the inmates from assault by other inmates.
- If a prison official is aware of an inmate assault but fails to respond, they violate the Eighth Amendment.
- Prison officers should not use force to cause harm.
What should you do if your rights have been violated?
You should file a grievance if an inmate or a prison official has assaulted you. However, it is important to do so immediately since certain time limits are in place. You should also confide in a trusted staff member if you believe you are in danger of assault.
Contact an attorney today.
Even if you have been sentenced to prison, you still have your rights as a United States citizen. If your rights are being violated in prison, you must immediately talk to an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you protect your rights and also provide legal advice.
