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$57,700 Verdict for Attack on Sleeping NY Jail Prisoner

The New York Supreme Court upheld a $57,700 verdict for a 31-year-old Jail prisoner who was attacked as he slept.

Mr. Morales was a New York prisoner when he was assaulted while he slept. He suffered "a fractured zygoma, requiring open reduction and internal fixation." Morales sued prison officials in state court, alleging inadequate supervision caused the assault.

Defendants denied liability, arguing that Morales was not asleep but was on active participant in an altercation. In December 1996, a jury found for Morales and awarded him $57,700 for pain and suffering. The New York Supreme Court upheld the verdict on appeal. See: Morales v. County of Westchester, NY SCt. 9th Judicial Dist., Westchester Cty. December 1996 Case No.22860192, (1996 WL 857376).

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Related legal case

Morales v. County of Westchester