Injured at Rikers Island? Know Your Rights and How an Expert Attorney Can Help
Rikers Island is one of the most infamous jails in the United States, long plagued by violence, overcrowding, and inadequate medical care. For individuals held at Rikers—whether awaiting trial or serving a short sentence—suffering an injury while in custody is not only traumatic but often the result of negligence, misconduct, or even deliberate abuse.
If you or a loved one were injured at Rikers Island, you have legal rights. At Townsend Law, we are uniquely equipped to advocate for you. Led by Sarena Townsend, a former Deputy Commissioner for Investigations and Trials at Rikers Island, our firm offers unparalleled insight into how the jail operates and how to hold the system accountable.
What Makes Rikers So Dangerous?
Rikers Island has been under intense scrutiny for years due to:
· Excessive use of force by correction officers
· Inmate-on-inmate violence
· Lack of timely and adequate medical care
· Unsanitary and unsafe living conditions
· Staffing shortages and administrative dysfunction
These systemic issues have led to thousands of documented injuries—many of which could have been prevented.
Common Types of Injuries at Rikers Island
People incarcerated at Rikers can suffer a wide range of injuries, including:
· Broken bones from physical altercations or assaults
· Head trauma and concussions
· Lacerations and bruises from excessive use of force
· Medical complications from denied or delayed care
· Psychological trauma due to neglect, abuse, or isolation
Regardless of the type of injury, you have the right to be treated with dignity and to receive medical attention. When that doesn't happen, legal action may be necessary.
Why Legal Action Is Critical
Filing a legal claim after being injured at Rikers Island serves multiple purposes:
· It can provide compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and future care.
· It holds correction officers and administrators accountable.
· It creates pressure for systemic reforms.
However, lawsuits involving correctional institutions are complex. They often involve government immunity defenses, tight filing deadlines (like the 90-day Notice of Claim rule in New York), and institutional resistance.
That’s why having the right attorney—one who knows the system inside and out—is crucial.
Why Choose Townsend Law?
Sarena Townsend is not just any attorney. She is the former Deputy Commissioner of the Intelligence, Investigation & Trials Division at the NYC Department of Correction, where she oversaw thousands of internal investigations and trials at Rikers Island from 2016 to 2022.
Ms. Townsend:
· Personally supervised staff discipline cases involving excessive force and abuse
· Knows the protocols correction officers are trained to follow—and how they often fail
· Has insider knowledge of Rikers' chain of command, recordkeeping, and cover-up tactics
· Is experienced in litigating against city agencies and understands how to pierce institutional defenses
This experience gives our clients a tremendous advantage in securing justice.
What to Do If You or a Loved One Was Injured
If you or someone you care about was injured while in custody at Rikers Island, follow these steps:
1. Document the incident: Record dates, times, names of officers or witnesses, and any injuries.
2. Seek medical attention: Get treatment as soon as possible. Request medical records.
3. Contact an attorney: You have only 90 days to file a Notice of Claim in many cases involving city agencies.
4. Preserve evidence: Photographs of injuries, medical reports, and witness statements can strengthen your case.
The sooner you act, the better your chances of holding the right people accountable and obtaining compensation.
Call Townsend Law Today
At Townsend Law, we believe no one is above the law—not even correctional staff. Whether you were injured due to negligence or deliberate abuse at Rikers Island, we are here to fight for you.
Office Address:
287 Park Avenue South, Suite 533
New York, NY 10010
Phone:
646-941-4997