Assaulted while in custody

Being detained or incarcerated should not expose individuals to abuse or violence. Unfortunately, cases of assault while in custody, whether by law enforcement officers, prison staff, or fellow detainees, occur more often than one might think. We specialise in representing victims of assault in custodial settings. If you or someone you know has been assaulted while in custody, we are here to help you seek justice, hold the responsible parties accountable, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

The statistics on assaults in custodial settings:

Overall Assaults: In the 12 months to September 2023, there were 25,223 assault incidents in prisons in England and Wales, equating to a rate of 300 incidents per 1,000 prisoners. This represents a 21% increase from the previous 12 months. (GOV.UK)
Prisoner-on-Prisoner Assaults: Of these, 16,995 were prisoner-on-prisoner assaults, a rate of 202 per 1,000 prisoners, marking a 23% increase from the previous year. (GOV.UK)

What is Assault While in Custody?

Assault while in custody refers to any form of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse that occurs while an individual is detained or incarcerated. This could involve:

Physical assault: Beatings, excessive force, or other forms of violence inflicted by police officers, prison staff, or other detainees.
Psychological abuse: Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, or other forms of emotional mistreatment.
Neglect: Failure to provide basic care, medical treatment, or adequate living conditions that can lead to harm.

Why You Need Legal Representation

Assault while in custody is a serious violation of human rights. It can leave long-lasting physical and emotional scars. In these cases, victims often feel powerless to seek justice, but our legal team is here to change that. We can help you navigate through the legal complexities of such cases, ensuring you receive the support and compensation you deserve.

With our extensive experience in personal injury and civil rights law, we provide the following services to victims of custodial assault:

Investigating the Incident: We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your assault, working with experts, reviewing video footage (if available), and gathering witness statements to build a strong case.
Holding Authorities Accountable: We pursue claims against law enforcement agencies, correctional institutions, and other responsible parties for their negligence or direct involvement in the assault.
Seeking Fair Compensation: Whether your injuries are physical, emotional, or both, we fight for the compensation needed to cover medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, and other related costs.

Types of Custodial Assault Claims We Handle

We handle a wide range of claims related to assaults that occur while in custody, including but not limited to:

Police Brutality: Claims against law enforcement officers for excessive force or unjustified assault.
Prison Abuse: Claims for mistreatment or assault by prison guards, including excessive use of force and inhumane conditions.
Inmate-on-Inmate Assault: In some cases, prison or detention center authorities may be held liable for failing to protect detainees from assault by other inmates.

Types of Compensation Available

If you’ve been assaulted while in custody, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical costs (including hospitalization, surgeries, therapy, and ongoing treatment)
Psychological treatment (for PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other emotional distress)
Lost wages (if your injuries have prevented you from working)
Pain and suffering (for the physical and emotional toll of the assault)
Punitive damages (to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions)