Legal news for New York personal injury attorneys – NYC jails strip-searched women with misdemeanor drug and weapons charges, civil suit pays between $1,800 and $20,000.
NYC has reached an agreement for $33 million in strip search civil suit.
New York, NY (NewYorkInjuryNews.com) -A class action lawsuit stemming from two women who claimed they were subjected to gynecological exams and others claiming to have been strip-searched in city jails was settled Monday, March 22, 2010 for $33 million, as reported by The Washington Post.
The civil suit was filed on behalf of people who were arrested with misdemeanor drug and weapons charges and strip-searched within NYC jails, including Rikers Island. The agreement states that those who were strip-searched will receive between $1,800 and $2,900, dependent upon how many come forward. Those who claim to have been subjected to gynecological exams will receive $20,000 for injury and suffering.
The suit includes those arrested, but not convicted, between July 15, 1999 and Oct. 4, 2007. The court had previously decided that the searches violated constitutional rights of the prisoners.
Senior counsel of the Special Federal Litigation Division at the New York City Law Department, Genevieve Nelson said this settlement is the last step in the Correction Department’s efforts to modify erroneous procedures. In a statement she said, “The City of New York and its Department of Correction have worked diligently to ensure that both safety and privacy are given high consideration during intake search procedures.”
A press conference is planned for Monday afternoon, March 22, 2010.
Legal News Reporter: Tara Monks – Legal news for New York personal injury attorneys.