Don’t Settle For Less

Don’t Settle For Less

Civil Rights Violation in New York Results in $200K Settlement

On Behalf of | Dec 7, 2018 | Civil Rights

Civil Rights Violation in New York Results in $200K Settlement

A terrible civil rights violation in New York City has resulted in a significant settlement for inmates who were poisoned while in custody. A lawsuit filed on behalf of inmates incarcerated in the Brooklyn House of Detention alleged that the individuals were sickened when they were fed a Thanksgiving meal that had been tainted with rat poison.

At least three individuals lost consciousness because of the poisoning and were rushed to nearby hospital facilities for treatment suffering from convulsions. The remainder of the sickened inmates were forced to recover in the detention facility, some of whom did not get required medical treatment for hours after their initial exposure.

Court documents reveal that the source of the poison was carrot cake served as desert after the holiday meal in 2015. However, much of the suspected food was tossed out before an official investigation could begin.

This is a civil rights case specifically because these individuals allege that:

· They were denied treatment

· Officials initially denied the food was tainted

· Corrections officers actively destroyed evidence

When in custody, inmates have certain inalienable rights as human beings and when those rights are infringed upon, they can seek compensation for any injuries suffered because of the actions or inactions of the correction officers.

In this case, the defendant, City of New York decided to settle out of court, leading to a $232,000 payout. This lets the inmates get compensated and the City avoids all the adverse publicity that would come out during the course of the trial and a possible public determination by an impartial jury that the City was guilty of depriving inmates of their basic civil rights.

If you’ve been deprived of your civil rights while in custody by the NYPD or while incarcerated at Rikers Island or any other City jail, you may have the basis for a civil rights lawsuit in New York City. Contact the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel and speak with an experienced Civil Rights Attorney in New York City today at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 without any further delay.

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