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$250,500 Verdict in Illinois Retaliation Claim
In February 1988, James Fergueson was a prisoner at Illinois' Menard
Correctional Center when he had an argument with Mary Flannigan, the
director of the Menard Psychiatric Center. Fergueson was upset that he had
been transferred to Graham Corrections Center and back to Menard without
receiving care for his psychological problems, including his suicidal
tendencies.
After Fergueson threatened to sue Flanigan, he was placed in a strip-cell
without clothing. He was told the only way he could earn his way out of
confinement was to chip old lead paint off the walls without special
clothing or a respirator. In 1996, a jury awarded Fergueson $500 in actual
damages and $250,000 punitive damages. The Court later vacated the punitive
damages, but allowed the actual damage award to stand. See: Fergueson v.
Flannigan, USDC, SD IL, Case No. 88-3117.
Correctional Center when he had an argument with Mary Flannigan, the
director of the Menard Psychiatric Center. Fergueson was upset that he had
been transferred to Graham Corrections Center and back to Menard without
receiving care for his psychological problems, including his suicidal
tendencies.
After Fergueson threatened to sue Flanigan, he was placed in a strip-cell
without clothing. He was told the only way he could earn his way out of
confinement was to chip old lead paint off the walls without special
clothing or a respirator. In 1996, a jury awarded Fergueson $500 in actual
damages and $250,000 punitive damages. The Court later vacated the punitive
damages, but allowed the actual damage award to stand. See: Fergueson v.
Flannigan, USDC, SD IL, Case No. 88-3117.
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Related legal case
Fergueson v. Flannigan
| Year | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Cite | USDC, SD IL, Case No. 88-3117 |
| Level | District Court |
| Conclusion | Jury Verdict |
| Attorney Fees | 0 |
| Damages | 250000 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |