Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer - Article

Prisoners’ Rights

The US Constitution guarantees certain rights to all citizens, even those who are currently serving time in a correctional facility. While many people like to say that people give up their rights when they commit crimes, this is only true to a very limited extent. No matter what crime a person has been convicted of, he or she still has the right to stay reasonably safe and healthy.

Chicago personal injury lawyers Friedman & Bonebrake are dedicated to helping all of our clients, including prisoners and their families, ensure that their legal rights are respected.

Violations of Prisoners’ Rights

The following acts and conditions are considered violations of inmates’ rights and may be grounds for legal action:

• Denial of necessary medical care
• Excessive or malicious use of force by prison workers
• Deliberate refusal to address violence between prisoners
• Unjust and harmful punishments
• Toxic, unhygienic, or unsafe prison conditions

Consequences of Violating Prisoners’ Rights

Prisoners who are being treated unfairly often face an uphill battle. The outside world is largely uninformed about prison conditions, and many people are unconcerned about violations of inmates’ rights due to a mistaken belief that they “deserve it.” The fact is that prison abuse and neglect can have grave consequences for prisoners and for society as a whole.

• Emotional trauma: the psychological damage done by persistent abuse can lead inmates to become suicidal or to lash out at prison guards. This trauma can persist after a prisoner is released, potentially increasing the odds that he or she will reoffend.
• Personal injury: The injuries suffered by abused prisoners can affect their ability to enjoy life and find employment once released. They also create medical expenses that must be covered by taxpayers.

Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury due to prison abuse or neglect, contact Chicago personal injury lawyers Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200.