JACKSON (AP) — A man who was paralyzed after being attacked by a fellow inmate at the Hinds County Detention Center has filed notice of an intent to sue.

Michael Burnley, 23, filed the intent to sue June 5.

The paperwork, which is a required step before filing a civil suit, was obtained Tuesday by The Clarion-Ledger newspaper of Jackson after a records request was made. County Administrator Anthony Brister told the newspaper weeks ago that no intent to sue had been filed.

Burnley was allegedly attacked by John Earl Kennedy. Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin said Kennedy apparently forced open the lock on his cell and assaulted Burnley.

Possible defendants if the suit is filed include Kennedy, the state, the city of Jackson and Dunn Construction Co., which built the jail more than 12 years ago.

Burnley’s attorney, Hal Dockins, of Jackson, did not return calls for comment, according to an article at www.clarionledger.com. Burnley was in custody on a charge of shooting into an occupied dwelling.

Kennedy, of Gulfport, has been charged with aggravated assault.

He was at the Hinds facility because he needed to be separated from other prisoners at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center.

Kennedy was in jail on a sexual battery charge.