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It’s no secret that most prisons in New York are dangerous and there is violence, particularly in the maximum security correctional facilities such as Sing Sing. Prisoners attack each other, leaving serious injuries. While corrections officers are charged with ensuring the safety of inmates, the facility is not always liable when an inmate is seriously injured by another inmate. On the other hand, there are instances in which an the facility can be held liable and required to pay compensation to the injured inmate or their family.
In the case of Aughtry v. State, # 2019-029-033 (N.Y. Ct. Cl. May 22, 2019), the legal proceedings focused on the state’s failure to provide adequate security at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, which led to an inmate’s severe injuries.
Background Facts
On July 27, 2012, Perez Aughtry, then an inmate at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, was attacked by other inmates while in the bathhouse. During the attack, he was punched, kicked, and cut with a sharp object. The Aughtry’s injuries included severe lacerations to his head and back, resulting in extensive bleeding. Despite his cries for help, no correctional officers intervened during the assault. After the attackers fled, the Aughtry was taken to the infirmary, where medical staff struggled to control the bleeding before transferring him to Westchester County Medical Center for further treatment. The assault left the claimant with permanent facial scarring, nerve damage, and ongoing physical and psychological issues. Aughtry filed a claim against the state of New York, the operator of Sing Sing.
Issue
Whether the State of New York was liable for the Aughtry’s injuries due to its failure to provide adequate security and respond appropriately to the foreseeable risk of inmate violence. Aughtry argued that the state’s negligence in ensuring safety measures in the bathhouse led directly to the attack and the severe injuries he sustained.
Holding
After a trial on liability, Judge Scuccimarra ruled that the State of New York was 100% liable for the claimant’s injuries. The court found that the state’s negligence in failing to provide adequate security measures and respond to the imminent threat of inmate violence was the proximate cause of the claimant’s injuries. The case then proceeded to a trial on damages, where both parties presented expert testimony regarding the extent of the claimant’s injuries and the impact on his life.
Rationale
The court’s decision was based on several key factors:
- Failure to Intervene: The evidence demonstrated that correctional officers failed to intervene during the assault despite the claimant’s repeated pleas for help. The lack of response from the staff contributed to the severity of the claimant’s injuries.
- Negligence in Security Measures: The court found that the State of New York did not implement sufficient security measures to prevent such an attack in the bathhouse. The foreseeability of inmate violence required proactive measures to ensure the safety of inmates.
- Expert Testimonies: The court considered testimonies from medical experts who detailed the claimant’s injuries, including permanent scarring and nerve damage. The medical evidence supported the claimant’s assertion that the injuries were severe and long-lasting.
- Medical Records: Records from both the correctional facility and the medical center illustrated the gravity of the claimant’s injuries and the inadequate immediate medical response. The delay in medical treatment and the severity of the claimant’s condition were crucial in establishing the extent of the damage.
- Psychological Impact: The court also took into account the psychological trauma suffered by the claimant, including nightmares and behavioral changes. This aspect of the case highlighted the broader impact of the assault on the claimant’s mental health.
The court awards claimant Aughtry $655,000.00, together with interest from April 25, 2018, the date of the court’s decision establishing liability.
Conclusion
The case of Aughtry v. State highlights the responsibility that correctional facilities have in safeguarding inmates from violence. The court’s decision to hold the State 100% liable reflects the seriousness of the negligence involved and the importance of adequate security measures in preventing inmate attacks.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries while incarcerated in in a New York prison, contact an experienced New York prisoner abuse lawyer at Stephen Bilkis & Associates to discuss your rights and potential claims, and to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.