Incarcerated individuals have lost one of the most important rights that so many others take for granted: their freedom. But while the loss of personal liberty may be one of the inherent and legal consequences of serving time behind bars, physical and mental abuse, acts of violence, the denial of needed medical care, and other misconduct by correctional officers, staff, and fellow inmates are not.
Unconstitutional Treatment of Inmates Often Leads To Serious Injuries and Wrongful Death
The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment,” and unprovoked violence and abuse perpetrated against inmates are violations of their constitutional rights. So, too, is the deprivation of needed medication, care, or treatment. Tragically and all too frequently, however, such illegal conduct can and does cause serious injury or death in state and federal prisons across the country.
Here in Minnesota, we regularly read stories about the horrific and sometimes fatal abuse of inmates at the hands of correctional officers and others or the failure to provide timely and appropriate medical care. Sometimes, supervisors or others in authority turn a blind eye to known problems and incidents, giving their tacit approval and allowing them to go unchecked.
When an incarcerated individual suffers serious, life-changing injuries or dies because prison personnel acted negligently, maliciously, or illegally, families are left in shock, looking for answers, justice, and a way to hold accountable those who engaged in such wrongdoing.
We Stand Up For Victims of Prison Abuse, Violence, and Neglect
At F. Clayton Tyler, P.A., we believe in and are committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every human being, including those who are incarcerated. As criminal defense lawyers, we know how the criminal justice system is supposed to work – and the many ways it doesn’t. We match our tenacious defense of those accused of crimes with equally vigorous advocacy on behalf of those convicted of or awaiting trial for crimes. We work with inmates and their families in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota to vindicate their rights and obtain compensation for their injuries and losses.
How We Help Incarcerated Individuals and Their Families
A wide range of acts and omissions by corrections officers can be the basis of a civil rights, wrongful death, or personal injury claim, including:
For a host of reasons, such as intimidation, denial of communications, or fear of retribution from guards or fellow inmates, abused prisoners may feel like they have no recourse or ability to protect themselves from further mistreatment. For those on the outside, they may be unaware of what is happening to their loved one or receive false and misleading information from prison authorities about how and why they suffered severe injuries or died.
The reality is that correctional authorities are well aware of the challenges faced by inmates and their families when seeking justice for their injuries and loss of rights. That explains, in part, why the problem of violence, abuse, and neglect is so pervasive and persistent – perpetrators know that they will likely face no consequences for their misconduct and, therefore, have little incentive to stop or prevent it.
We find that dynamic to be unacceptable. That is why we welcome the opportunity to speak with any incarcerated individuals or their families about allegations of prisoner mistreatment. With more than half a century of collective criminal defense and civil rights experience, the attorneys at F. Clayton Tyler, F.A. are relentless in our pursuit of the truth, accountability, and compensation for those who wrongfully suffer at the hands of corrections officers or fellow prisoners.
If you would like to discuss your situation and explore your options, please contact us today to arrange for your free, confidential initial consultation.
