Secret Settlement in Illinois Cell Fire Suit
On March 19, 1996, Illinois' Joliet Correctional Center prisoner Cutues White piled all his personal possessions in the front of his cell, and lit them on fire. The prison was undergoing a renovation project, which included removal of smoke exhaust fans and renovation of the fire alarm system.
Because of the fans removal, smoke from the fire was not evacuated from White's cell. He suffered burns to 20-23% of his body on the back and arms, severe smoke inhalation with lung damage, resulting in a month stay at the Cook County Burn Unit.
White sued the contractors: Certified Midwest Construction, Air Design Systems, Inc., Chuck James, Halm Electric Contractors, Inc., and Ron Orr. White contended the contract required maintenance of the fire alarm system and temporary exhaust fans during renovation. He also alleged response was delayed to alarm system failure and the construction barrier. He also sued the State of Illinois.
The matter was filed in federal court from March 6-16, 2000. A confidential settlement was entered into by White and the State of Illinois. The claims against the State were for Eighth Amendment violations and the claims against the contractors were pendent state claims of negligence. See White v. Certified Midwest Construction, USDC, N.D. Ill., Case No. 96C-5400.
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Related legal case
White v. Certified Midwest Construction
| Year | 2000 |
|---|---|
| Cite | USDC, N.D. Ill., Case No. 96C-5400 |
| Level | District Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Injunction Status | N/A |