Missoula, MT – federal jury in Great Falls has awarded more than $27 million in damages to Nathaniel Lake, a man who was severely beaten while serving time at the CoreCivic-owned Crossroads Correctional Center in Shelby, Montana. Lake, who was assaulted in 2018, sued the private prison company for failing to ensure his safety during his incarceration.
The incident occurred when Lake was attacked by another inmate, who was able to enter Lake’s locked pod without interference from prison staff. The violent assault, which lasted for more than three minutes, went undetected by jailers, leaving Lake unconscious. He was later airlifted to a hospital in Great Falls, where he was placed into a coma for 33 days due to a traumatic brain injury.
The beating resulted in permanent physical and cognitive damage to Lake, including severe impairments to his speech, mobility, and coordination. According to Lake’s attorney, the lasting effects of the injury will significantly impact his quality of life for the foreseeable future.
After spending six more months in prison, Lake was released when the Montana Supreme Court overturned his conviction. This ruling added further complexity to the case, as it raised questions about the broader issues of legal and human rights within the correctional system.
In the lawsuit, the federal jury found CoreCivic, a Tennessee-based private prison company, liable for failing to protect Lake during his time at the Crossroads facility. The jury awarded Lake $27,750,000 in compensatory damages, sending a strong message about the accountability of private prison companies in ensuring the safety of inmates under their care.
This ruling marks a significant legal victory for Lake and sets a potential precedent for future cases involving private prison companies. It underscores the responsibility that these companies bear in maintaining adequate security measures and protecting the individuals they incarcerate.
The case raises important questions about the oversight of private prison operators, especially in light of the growing debate over the privatization of the American correctional system. While the award offers Lake compensation for his suffering, it also signals the need for stricter regulations and accountability in the management of privately-run prisons.
As the prison industry faces increased scrutiny, this case could serve as a turning point in efforts to ensure better treatment and safety for inmates across the nation.
