Prisons have the potential to be an extremely dangerous place for inmates. Fights between inmates can result in a victim being sexually assaulted. Unfortunately, an inmate at a prison may also have to worry about the possibility of being sexually assaulted by the guards and other prison staff that are supposed to protect them. If you were a victim of sexual assault at the hands of prison staff, you should consult with an experienced Maryland attorney for victims of sexual assault by prison guards and staff.
Rice, Murtha & Psoras welcomes the opportunity to fight for victims of sexual assault that were unjustly and cruelly attacked by prison guards and staff. Sexual assault is a serious issue that can impact a victim for the rest of their life from a psychological and physical standpoint. An inmate should not have to live in fear of being harmed by prison guards and other employees. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your sexual assault case, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.
Injuries Caused by Sexual Assault by Prison Guards and Staff in Maryland
Sexual assault is a subject that is often difficult for victims. Many people do not want to share that they were sexually abused, as it can evoke a wide range of feelings. However, if you were sexually assaulted by a prison guard or other prison staff in Maryland, speaking up can get you the justice you deserve.
The injuries that can be caused by sexual assault are extensive. the following is a list of physical and nonphysical injuries that may occur due to sexual assault.
Physical Injuries Caused by Sexual Assault
An incident of sexual assault rarely ever yields the same injuries in different cases. As a result, it can be difficult to pinpoint when a specific injury is the result of sexual assault. However, there are some injuries that would indicate a sign of sexual assault.
Genital injuries should be thoroughly searched for after sexual assault. This area of the body can heal quickly, so it is important to investigate before valuable evidence is lost. For example, if a prison guard anally raped a victim, there could be tears near the anal sphincter. Additionally, if a woman was raped, there could be vaginal bleeding and vaginal tears that could indicate the use of force.
Lacerations, cuts, and bruises are also injuries that may signify sexual assault. These injuries are likely to appear near the genitals, back, and upper thighs. Depending on the circumstances, a victim may also suffer other serious injuries if they were also physically abused during the sexual assault. For example, corrupt prison guards could beat the victim with their hands and feet or may even use weapons.
While inmates have limited freedom, this does not give prison guards and staff the right to abuse their power to sexually assault an inmate.
Psychological Injuries Caused by Sexual Assault
When a person is a victim of sexual assault, they could suffer a wide range of psychological and emotional injuries. These injuries can also be exacerbated if a prison inmate is forced to be in the presence of the guard that sexually assaulted them.
A victim of sexual assault in prison can experience feelings of hopelessness and could become severely depressed. In extreme cases, a victim may consider suicide to escape feelings invoked by their sexual assault. it is difficult to get help with these issues as an inmate at the prison, which could increase the psychological effects of the sexual assault.
If you were sexually abused by prison guards, our Maryland lawyer for victims of sexual assault could help you file a personal injury lawsuit.
Liability for Maryland Sexual Assault Injuries Caused by Prison Guards and Staff
No victim should be forced to endure sexual assault from a prison guard that is clearly abusing their power. Rice, Murtha & Psoras is here to help you determine who can be held liable for a sexual assault injury caused by prison staff.
Determining liability can help you learn which parties you can file a legal claim against to seek compensation. Liability for a sexual assault injury can depend on a few circumstances. As you could guess, a victim of a sexual assault can hold their abuser liable for their foul actions. However, there is a possibility that the prison guard’s employer could also be liable.
The employer of the prison staff could be held liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior. the doctrine of respondeat superior allows a victim to lay blame on an employer for the negligent actions of an employee. Specifically, an employer could be held liable for injuries caused by an employee in the scope of their employment.
However, be careful to avoid making assumptions about who can be held liable for your case. Our firm can help you determine the appropriate parties for your potential personal injury lawsuit for sexual assault injuries by a prison guard in Maryland.
Consult with Our Trusted Maryland Lawyer for Victims of Sexual Assault by Prison Guards and Staff
If a prison guard or other prison employee sexually assaulted you, contact an experienced Maryland lawyer for victims of sexual assault by prison guards and staff. Randolph Rice is a dedicated sexual assault injury lawyer, and he would work diligently to fight for the justice you deserve. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential lawsuit, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.