Grand Rapids Jail/ Prison Injury
The United St
ates has the highest jail and prison population in the world. While the country only contains 5 percent of the world’s populations, it has 25 percent of the world’s prison population. With over 5,000 jails and prisons in the United States, we have more jails than colleges. Poorly trained correctional officers and refusal to fix deteriorating conditions are problems that are prevalent in correctional facilities throughout the United States. Unfortunately, Grand Rapids jail is no different as inmates face unfair treatment in a deteriorating prison system everyday.
Additionally, inmates may also be subject physical harm and can possibly sustain serious injuries. These include:
- Slip, trip, or fall in prison facility
- Violent incident with cellmates
- Sustained injuries while working in prison
- Abuse by correctional officers.
According to Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act, inmates are allowed to file lawsuits for injuries or harm that occurred in state prison or jail. If you were hurt in one of these facilities, your constitutional rights may have been violated. Additionally, if you were to become sick due to prison conditions, you be able to gain compensation as well. The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act or (CRIPA) makes provisions for inmates to make contact with the Department of Justice.
In addition to health issues, if you have experienced abuse or have been mistreated behind bars you may also be able to receive compensation. One of the most common forms of assault behind bars are inmate-on-inmate assaults. Prison officials can be held liable for negligence or lack of supervision. Inmates may also have been assaulted by the jail or prison guards. Physical assault in addition to disregard for the safety and well being of an inmate makes the prison and the guard liable.
Connecting with an attorney is essential for the success of your case. Public defenders often have hundreds of case loads and are often poorly prepared to defend you. With an experienced attorney on your side, you will have the upperhand. If you or someone you know has been hurt or abused in the within the jail or prison system, take action today and connect with an attorney from the Michigan Legal Center.
