The Southern Center for Human Rights is suing the Georgia Department of Corrections over alleged inmate abuse.

The SCHR is representing four inmates at Hays State Prison in Northwest Georgia. The men allege that they were beaten unconscious while handcuffed in August of 2010.

A complaint was filed after the alleged incident occurred.

According to case lawyers, all four sustained heavy injuries and received medical attention. They have since been relocated to different prisons.

They say there has been a pattern of abuse at the facility.

The Georgia Department of Corrections declined to comment on pending litigation.

A 1997 suit against Hays State Prison claimed excessive violence against inmates. It ended with a settlement for 14 men.

The Department of Corrections has 30 days to respond to the lawsuit.

Tags: Southern Center for Human Rights, lawsuit, Georgia Department of Corrections, Hays State Prison, inmate abuse, GDOC, SCHR