Prisoner's Lawsuit: Guards' Negligence Led to Assault

0:00In Durham, it's March 20th, and here's what is going on. A prisoner at Central Prison in Raleigh, named Brandon Case, suffered severe facial injuries and an attack by another inmate back in January 20. 20. Guards had left two key doors unlocked, allowing a higher risk inmate to reach Case during a routine move for haircuts. Now 37, Case filed a lawsuit claiming the guards failed to protect him, and he's pushing for changes to prevent future assaults. The incident happened when general population inmates like Case went upstairs, while safekeepers, those held for safety reasons, were out for recreation. Officers in control booths chose to keep the Sally Port doors open to save time, instead of securing them with a simple button push. No one warned them, the safekeepers were returning, leading to the set in assault caught on video. Case ended up at Duke University Hospital, where surgeons inserted three plates and 21 screws, but he still deals with constant pain and disfigurement. Just days later, prison supervisors issued a memo reminding staff to always separate the groups

1:05and lock those doors, highlighting a clear protocol. Breach. A lower federal court initially sided with the guards under qualified immunity rules, calling in mere negligence. But in February, a US appeals court panel revived the case by a two-to-one vote, ruling that jurors should decide if the officers showed deliberate. In difference to the risks. This means cases claims could head to trial, unless North Carolina settles first, setting a potential precedent for holding guards accountable in. Similar slip-ups.