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Jury Awards $39,000 in Texas Scalding
On September 21, 1995, a federal jury in Houston awarded Texas state prisoner Roland Rudd $39,000 in damages against prison guards Robert Bergeron and Leonardo Herrera. The jury found that the Bergeron splashed a pitcher of hot coffee on Rudd's face and refused to provide him with medical treatment. The attack occurred on July 2, 1994, at the Mark Stiles Unit in Beaumont.
Rudd did not receive medical treatment for at least two and a half hours after receiving the burns. When he did receive treatment, only his eyes were rinsed, he did not receive burn treatment. The jury awarded Rudd $4,000 in compensatory damages. Bergeron was ordered to pay $20,000 in punitive damages and Herrera was ordered to pay $15,000 in punitive damages. Both guards are still employed by the Texas DOC. Rudd initiated the suit pro se.
Source: Corrections Digest
Rudd did not receive medical treatment for at least two and a half hours after receiving the burns. When he did receive treatment, only his eyes were rinsed, he did not receive burn treatment. The jury awarded Rudd $4,000 in compensatory damages. Bergeron was ordered to pay $20,000 in punitive damages and Herrera was ordered to pay $15,000 in punitive damages. Both guards are still employed by the Texas DOC. Rudd initiated the suit pro se.
Source: Corrections Digest
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Related legal case
Case Name Unknown
| Year | 1995 |
|---|---|
| Level | District Court |
| Conclusion | Jury Verdict |
| Damages | 39000 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |