Florida Prison Abuse Legal Advocates

Championing Inmate Rights in Florida

Although correctional officers are permitted to use reasonable force when absolutely necessary, they are not allowed to use excessive force or otherwise abuse, assault, or needlessly injure inmates. When correctional officers, prison guards, and other facility staff members cause undue bodily injury or psychological harm, they—and the facilities that employ them—can be held legally responsible.

If you or someone you love suffered a prison injury due to correctional office abuse, assault, or misconduct, reach out to Fischer Redavid PLLC today. We firmly believe that you deserve justice, and our Florida correctional officer abuse attorneys have what it takes to aggressively advocate for you. We dedicate the necessary time, resources, and efforts to each and every case, always with the goal of being a voice for the voiceless and helping our clients successfully navigate the legal process. As a client, you will be our priority, and you will receive the dedicated, one-on-one legal representation you need.

Are you an attorney with inquiries or a case to refer? Arrange a conversation with one of our lawyers or give us a call today at (954) 800-2155.

Identifying Forms of Correctional Officer Misconduct

Correctional officer abuse takes many different forms. Any time a Department of Corrections (DOC) guard or officer acts outside of the scope of their responsibilities or violates the rights of another individual, they have likely committed an act of abuse or misconduct. 

Some examples of correctional officer abuse include: 

• Hitting, punching, beating, or kicking inmates
• Excessive use of force (correctional officer brutality) 
• Using pepper spray, tasers, or other weapons on inmates
• Unreasonable, cruel, or unusual punishment
• Verbally abusing inmates, including using racial slurs
• Ignoring or denying requests for medical attention 
• Wrongfully delaying medical or mental health treatment
• Failing to address new inmates’ medical concerns or conditions (deliberate indifference) 
• Sexual assault, including rape and unwanted or nonconsensual sexual contact
• Destroying inmates’ personal property without a reason 
• Failing to prevent or stop inmate-on-inmate violence or sexual assault
• Failing to intervene when witnessing correctional officer or staff member abuse 

If you were injured or if your loved one died while incarcerated, there is a possibility that correctional officer abuse or misconduct is to blame. We strongly recommend that you reach out to our team at Fischer Redavid PLLC for powerful legal representation from an experienced and dedicated team. 

Is Excessive Use of Force Always Considered Abuse?

Excessive use of force, sometimes referred to simply as “excessive force,” is one of the most common bases of correctional officer abuse complaints and lawsuits. However, defining what exactly constitutes “excessive force” can be tricky. 

While nearly all incidents of excessive force constitute correctional officer or DOC guard abuse, not all uses of force are excessive. In fact, the law allows correctional officers, DOC guards, and other law enforcement officers to use force, including deadly force, when the official “reasonably believes” such force is necessary to prevent injury or harm to him or herself or to prevent a prisoner from escaping a penal institution. In certain cases, the interpretation of the law has been expanded to other circumstances in which the use of force is justified. 

That being said, excessive force is never permissible. A correctional officer is justified only in using the amount of force reasonably necessary to prevent injury, harm, or escape in the given circumstances. 

For a free initial consultation and case review, call or contact us online. We can assist you in English, Spanish, or Creole.