Attorney Troy J. Pradia was hired to provide legal representation to a former corrections officer at Mark W. Stiles Unit who claims she was sexually assaulted by fellow employees while at the prison. She, with the help of Attorney Pradia, is seeking $2 million for damages suffered as a result.
What Led to the Lawsuit?
On or around December 9, 2017, our client was standing at her assigned post when she was approached by two other officers, as well as her supervising officer. They told her to follow them. Believing this was a work-related matter, and adhering to the policy of following supervisor's orders, she complied.
While the four were walking through the prison, our client repeatedly asked the three men where they were going. Instead of answering her questions, they said that they needed to discuss a "private matter." Because the responses of her co-workers were evasive, our client was hesitant as she continued to follow them.
Eventually, they walked down the food service hallway. Most other areas in the prison are monitored with security cameras, but this particular corridor is not. One of the other officers locked the hallway door and told our client that he was "tired of [her] always going around teasing [him]. [She's] going to give it up tonight!"
While the four were in the hallway, one of the other officers forcefully pushed our client against the wall. He fondled her breasts and unbuttoned her shirt. At one point, one of the men started to unbuckle his pants. Our client continually asked them to stop and screamed and cried while her fellow officers proceeded to sexually assault her. One of the defendants said that they would let her out of the hallway only if she promised to go to his house the next morning to have sex with them. The incident lasted 7 to 10 minutes.
Eventually, the three men let our client out of the hallway. They told her not to tell anyone about the incident; otherwise, she would suffer negative consequences.
Attorney Pradia told The Appeal that our client reported the sexual assault to her supervisor the next day. Following the incident, she resigned from her position and has been unable to work since. Attorney Pradia also said that "This has really been a traumatic experience for her, and she's trying to get her life back together.”
A Workplace Rife with Inappropriate Relationships
The incident between our client and the three men isn't the first of its kind. While investigating the case, Attorney Pradia interviewed other female corrections officers and found that sexual harassment was common, but the grievances the officers file go ignored.
Attorney Pradia said that the atmosphere at Stiles contributes to an unsafe work environment. Many inappropriate relationships have formed between female corrections officers and their superior sergeants and officers. That sends a message that incidents, like the one our client experienced, are okay.
The Causes of Action
In the lawsuit filed on behalf of our client, we assert that the managers of Stiles owed a duty of care to our client. However, they didn't do anything to protect her when she was subject to sexual assault. The prison had no security measures to prevent incidents like that from happening.
Legal action is being pursued against the defendants because our client was subjected to:
- Excessive force
- Cruel and unusual punishment
- Denial of equal protection
- Violation of the right to bodily integrity
- Reckless abuse, assault
- False imprisonment
- Invasion of privacy
- Assault and battery
- Unconscionable conduct
- Negligence
Damages Sought
Because our client suffered harm in the sexual assault incident, we are seeking damages in the amount of $2 million or more.
The relief is sought for the following:
- Past and future reasonable medical care
- Past and future physical pain and suffering
- Past and future mental anguish
- Past and future loss of consortium
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Attorney’s fees
- Punitive damages
Get Skilled Legal Representation from The Cox Pradia Law Firm, P.L.L.C.
If you or a loved one was harmed by the reckless actions or negligence of others in Houston, our attorneys are here to fight for justice on your behalf. Backed by over 40 years of combined experience, we know what it takes to seek fair compensation for victims.
Discuss your case during a free consultation by calling us at (888) 240-0843 or contacting us online