Current:Home > ScamsNevada to pay $340,000 in settlement over prison firefighting conditions-LoTradeCoin
Nevada to pay $340,000 in settlement over prison firefighting conditions
View Date:2024-12-23 21:16:52
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada must pay $340,000 total to the ACLU of Nevada and eight people on a prison firefighting crew in a settlement reached earlier this week, but clears the state of admitting to claims including negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress and cruel and unusual punishment.
The settlement reached Tuesday by the Nevada Board of Examiners ends both state and federal lawsuits filed in March stemming from a 2021 fire cleanup on the southern tip of the state.
In a lawsuit filed in Clark County District Court, the ACLU of Nevada alleged that supervisors “mocked and abused” prison firefighters after what was described as a gruesome cleanup assignment that left several unable to walk, stand or shower without assistance for days. The lawsuit claimed none of the incarcerated firefighters received medical treatment that night.
In the lawsuit, the ACLU of Nevada alleged on behalf of the plaintiffs that when the sole of one plaintiff’s boot melted off from the heat, a Nevada Division of Forestry supervisor duct-taped it back on and told her to continue working. When another plaintiff started crying from pain, the supervisor allegedly said, “You can keep crying as long as you keep working.”
The Nevada Division Forestry will also expand on training for its prison firefighting program, and implement or ensure a host of policies meant to protect incarcerated firefighters including avenues to submit anonymous concerns and better maintenance of protective equipment — including work boots.
The crew fighting the 2021 fire was from Jean Conservation Camp, the only prison firefighting facility designed for women. The Division of Forestry owns the camp and firefighting programs while the Department of Corrections staffs the camp.
The Nevada Department of Corrections and Division of Forestry both declined to comment. The settlement was first reported by The Nevada Independent.
The plaintiffs — comprised of current and formerly incarcerated people — will receive between about $24,000 and $48,000 each.
veryGood! (77)
Related
- Disruptions to Amtrak service continue after fire near tracks in New York City
- Louisiana lawmakers reject minimum wage raise and protections for LGBTQ+ people in the workplace
- Golden Bachelor's Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist Break Up 3 Months After Wedding
- USC remains silent on O.J. Simpson’s death, underscoring complicated connections to football star
- Dave Coulier Says He's OK If This Is the End Amid Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Battle
- Knopf to publish posthumous memoir of Alexey Navalny in October
- Houston hospital halts liver and kidney transplants after learning a doctor manipulated some records
- Sawfish rescued in Florida as biologists try to determine why the ancient fish are dying
- Vegas Sphere reports revenue decline despite hosting UFC 306, Eagles residency
- Paul McCartney toasts Jimmy Buffett with margarita at tribute concert with all-star lineup
Ranking
- Why Suits' Gabriel Macht Needed Time Away From Harvey Specter After Finale
- 'Puberty is messy': Amy Poehler introduces extended sneak peek at Pixar's 'Inside Out 2'
- Shaping future investment leaders:Lonton Wealth Management Cente’s mission and achievements
- Stunning new Roman frescoes uncovered at Pompeii, the ancient Italian city frozen in time by a volcano
- Michigan soldier’s daughter finally took a long look at his 250 WWII letters
- Hawaii-born Akebono Taro, Japan's first foreign-born sumo wrestling grand champion, dead at 54
- USC remains silent on O.J. Simpson’s death, underscoring complicated connections to football star
- Stock market today: Asia stocks are mostly lower after Wall St rebound led by Big Tech
Recommendation
-
Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul press conference highlights: 'Problem Child' goads 'Iron Mike'
-
Golden Bachelor's Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist Break Up 3 Months After Wedding
-
When should I retire? It may be much later in life than you think.
-
Biden heads to his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to talk about taxes
-
Powerball winning numbers for November 11 drawing: Jackpot hits $103 million
-
What to know about Rashee Rice, Chiefs WR facing charges for role in serious crash
-
Wilma Wealth Management: Case Studies of Wilma Wealth Management's Investments
-
Former US ambassador sentenced to 15 years in prison for serving as secret agent for Cuba