Though incarcerated individuals do not have the same civil rights as free citizens, they may not be deprived of their basic human rights. State and federal laws - including the U.S. Constitution - protect suspects and inmates in jails and prisons from unsafe conditions or inhumane treatment. Unfortunately, however, these laws are often ignored or intentionally violated, resulting in illness, injury or death.

Violations of inmates’ or suspects’ rights may include:

• Failure to provide medical attention, such as failing to diagnose a serious condition, withholding medication, or denial of other medical treatment;
• Failure to prevent suicide;
• Failure to treat mental illness or to protect mentally ill inmates from dangerous prisoners and predatory guards;
• Psychological abuse such as verbal taunting or threats, discrimination, or harassment;
• Physical abuse by other prisoners or guards;
• Guard brutality;
• Sexual abuse by other prisoners or guards;
• Hunger;
• Failure to control or prevent prison violence; and
• Religious, racial or other discrimination.

If you or a loved one has been subjected to unsafe or inhumane conditions while incarcerated, you need an experienced civil rights lawyer on your side. Only a dedicated attorney who has handled many such claims can help you decide how best to pursue your case. Our skilled trial lawyers can help protect your rights and secure all of the compensation to which you may be entitled.

At Feldman Shepherd, we are committed to obtaining the best possible recovery for our clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey as expeditiously as possible. We are here to serve you with hard work, attention to detail and a caring approach tailored to your individual needs. If we may be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us today.