A harrowing case of alleged negligence and constitutional violations has emerged from the Lafourche Parish Correctional Center. On June 28, 2024, Kobi Chiasson filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Craig Webre, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff, and unnamed officers of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office.
The lawsuit details a brutal attack on Mr. Chiasson while he was in custody at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Center following a severe motor vehicle accident in April 2023. The accident left him with significant injuries, including multiple fractured vertebrae and ribs. Despite being informed of his vulnerable medical condition, Defendants allegedly failed to provide adequate protection and care. On July 1, 2023, Mr. Chiasson was attacked by another inmate, resulting in seizures, slurred speech, and involuntary jerking motions. His family had expected that he would be kept safe while awaiting trial on his charges.
The complaint accuses the defendants of negligence and deliberate indifference to Mr. Chiasson's medical needs and safety. It claims that they failed to heed warnings about his condition, inadequately staffed the facility, and neglected to prevent the attack by another inmate. As a result of these failures, Mr. Chiasson sustained life-altering injuries.
Mr. Chiasson's legal team argues that these actions violated his constitutional rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution and various civil rights statutes, including 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and Title VI (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-7). They seek compensatory damages for his suffering as well as punitive damages against those responsible for his care.
In addition to financial compensation, Mr. Chiasson seeks declaratory relief affirming that his rights were violated and injunctive relief to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future at Lafourche Parish Correctional Center.
Representing Mr. Chiasson is attorney Wesley J. Blanchard from WJ Blanchard Law LLC based in Metairie, Louisiana. The case is under Case ID no: 2:24-cv-1666.