May 19, 2013
Sixteen Alabama inmates are suing the state because they say their dental treatment is so bad it amounts to cruel and unusual punishment.
The suit said prisoners are going without dentures, dental care and vision care.
The suit seeks an injunction forcing the state prison system's health care provider, NaphCare, to take care of the inmates' health.
Department of Corrections spokesman Brian Corbett said the state is reviewing the suit and will investigate health conditions in the prisons.
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Alabama prison guards may be sued for using hitching posts to tie prisoners up as a punishment.
