The case against the Corrections Department of a prisoner smashed in the head with a pool ball has been lodged with the Human Rights Review Tribunal.
Benjamin Lightbody in hospital after the attack in Mt Eden prison in 2013 Photo: Supplied / Twitter
The Privacy Commissioner has already ruled the department breached Benjamin Lightbody's rights by withholding or destroying CCTV footage of the attack on him.
It will be up to the tribunal to award any damages.
It is expected to hear the case in about a year.
Mr Lightbody is also aiming to sue Corrections for not keeping him safe in custody.
The May 2013 attack at the Mt Eden prison left him with permanent brain damage.
Serco was running the prison, but was under contract to Corrections, which is the defendant in this case.