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Articles in Verdict1

Sacramento County Agrees to Pay $7,500 after Prisoner Fell from Bunk

On August 30, 2005, the County of Sacramento agreed to pay $7,500 to a prisoner who fell from his bunk while at the Sacramento County Main Jail (SCMJ). The prisoner claimed deliberate indifference to his safety.

Peter Heines fell from his bunk head first, breaking his right foot and spraining ...

Sacramento County Agrees to Pay $100,000 to Settle Inadequate Medical Care Suit

On July 12, 2007, Sacramento County agreed to pay $100,000 to settle a suit that alleged Sacramento County Main Jail (SCMJ) staff provided deliberately indifferent medical care.

Ricky Kirk cut his hand during a domestic dispute at his home. Kirk was arrested and taken to the SCMJ. Initially, medical staff ...

Sacramento County Agrees to Pay $500 to Settle Slip and Fall Suit

On October 12, 2006, the County of Sacramento agreed to pay $500 to a prisoner who alleged that he slipped and fell twice in a shower at the Sacramento Main Jail (SMJ) due to deliberated indifference by jail officials.

David Slaughter slipped and fell twice in the shower at SMJ. ...

Arizona State Jury Awards $275,000 for Negligent Medical Care

An Arizona State Jury awarded $275,000 in a lawsuit claiming negligence in medical care.

While housed in a tent at Maricopa County Jail in December 2001, prisoner “Talbow,” a 63-year-old male with diabetes, suffered a diabetic episode. Talbow’s complaint alleged the jail failed to properly hire, train and supervise its ...

Pierce County, Washington Pays $6,250 Settlement for Negligence of Dental Care

Washington State’s Pierce County paid $6,250 to settle a prisoner’s claim for neglectful dental care.

Steven Michaelson was a prisoner in the Pierce County Jail when he lost a filling in a molar. He filed a “kite” on September 10, 2004, to see the dentist. When he saw the dentist ...

$100,000 Settlement for City of New York Police Unit’s Excessive Force against Homeless Man Seeking Work

The City of New York paid $100,000 to settle a lawsuit for the violation of civil rights, false arrest and excessive force against two men by police officers.

On October 27, 2006, Kojak Carter and Jonas Belizaire were in front of the Wards Island Help Supportive Employment Center, when the ...

Plaintiff Wins $460,000 in Excessive Force Case

In an amended complaint filed July 21, 2008, New York Resident Rafael Weizmann filed suit pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983 and 1988 against Suffolk County, New York, Suffolk County Police Department, Saint Charles Hospital and a number of police officers and medical personnel. The suit alleged excessive force was ...

Washington DOC Pays $35,000 in Discrimination Suit

In a stipulated judgment filed September 16, 2008, Amy Howard was awarded $35,000 for damages and attorney fees and costs for alleged sexual harassment and racial discrimination. Ms. Howard's attorney, W. Michael Hanbey, PS, of Olympia, originally sought $280,000 for damages inflicted upon his client by the hostile work environment ...

Missoula County Settles Medical Treatment Denial Suit for $5,000

In September 2009, a retired physician settled the part of his lawsuit that alleged denial of medical care while in the Missoula County Detention Facility (MCDF) for $5,000. The remaining claims in the suit were not settled.

Dr. Walt Peschel, 68, a frail, retired physician with a history of severe ...

Sacramento County Agrees to Pay $1,000 to Settle Claim of False Imprisonment

On December 22, 2005, the County of Sacramento agreed to pay $1,000 to settle a claim by a man who was erroneously held seven days beyond his sentence.

Don Daniel was scheduled to be released from RCCC Correctional Center, but was held an additional seven days because jail staff believed ...