New York Jail Death & Abuse Lawyers

Santana Law Firm is an award-winning New York City law firm that represents incarcerated people and families who have suffered civil rights abuses—including excessive force, sexual assault, and wrongful death—in NY jails and prisons. Based in Manhattan and the Bronx, our experienced civil rights lawyers have helped clients throughout the NYC metro area successfully file state and federal lawsuits and recover the compensation they deserve.

The United States has the highest rate of incarceration in the world. Out of 2.3 million prisoners, 21% say they’ve been assaulted by prison staff. That’s nearly half a million victims of jail abuse—and that’s just one of many civil rights violations that inmates can face while incarcerated. Numerous studies have shown that America’s jails and prisons are rife with abuses of power, violence, and inhumane treatment that can lead to severe injury, chronic illness, mental health issues, and even death.

Prison guards, police officers, and other state officials do not have the authority to violate your rights just because you are incarcerated. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed while in police custody after an arrest or conviction, you might be able to file a lawsuit and pursue financial damages.

Santana Law Firm has been taking on New York City’s toughest jails for more than 20 years. As former Brooklyn prosecutors, we know all too well the misconduct that occurs within the city’s criminal justice system. That’s why we’re determined to help our clients hold brutal law enforcement officers accountable and obtain the highest damages possible. We may be able to help you do the same.

Examples of Jail Civil Rights Violations

The most horrific in-custody rights abuses result in physical harm, emotional trauma, and death in the most serious cases. Incarcerated people should not be subjected to this mistreatment.

That said, civil rights violations are not always violent. Being prevented from seeing a lawyer, receiving verbal threats or discriminatory comments, and being harshly disciplined without due process are civil rights violations as well.

Law enforcement may also violate your rights by not acting, which is known as deliberate indifference. For example, if prison guards ignore your request for medical attention and your condition becomes more serious than it would have had you seen a doctor when you first asked, that is a form of deliberate indifference.

Common prison civil rights abuses in NYC institutions include:

• Prison guard abuse
• Excessive force
• Cruel and unusual punishment
• Psychological abuse
• Sexual assault, harassment, and rape by prison staff
• Discrimination based on race, sex, religion, disability, or age
• Failure to provide medical treatment
• Failure to address mental health issues and suicidal ideation
• Denial of due process
• Unreasonable or intentionally humiliating strip searches

Who Can You Sue for Police Custody Rights Violations?

You may be able to sue multiple parties responsible for in-custody rights violations. An experienced NYC jail abuse lawyer will carefully review your case and identify the best course of action to maximize your potential compensation.

You may be able to sue:

• 
  Police and Corrections Officers
• 
  Sheriff's Departments
• 
  Jails and Prisons (federal, state, or private)
• 
  Jail Medical Providers
• 
  Cities, Counties,
  & Government
  Agencies