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$9,500 Paid in Washington DOC Employee's Whistleblower Suit
William C. Dalton, a nurse at Washington's McNeil Island
Correctional Center, repeatedly raised issues regarding deficiencies in
equipment, protocol and staffing at MICC. In July 1996, Dalton was
instructed to participate in chemotherapy for a patient/prisoner at MICC.
Dalton became concerned that no protocol had been developed for
administration of the chemotherapy, no training had been conducted, and no
one with the requisite experience in dealing with the drugs necessary for
chemotherapy was on staff at MICC.
Dalton refused to participate in chemotherapy because he felt the absence
of lab studies and the absence of proper training and protocols presented
a risk to prisoners, staff and the professional licenses of personnel
participating in the chemotherapy. Dalton lodged a complaint with the
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries over the unsafe
activities, which resulted in an investigation.
Thereafter, Belinda Stewart, MICC's Superintendent, took disciplinary
action against Dalton that was disproportionate to other employees'
similar acts, which was retaliatory. Dalton was eventually terminated but
that decision was overturned by the State Personnel Appeals Board.
Stewart also filed a complaint against Dalton with the Washington State
Nursing Commission to retaliate for Dalton's whistleblowing on MICC
practices.
On January 4, 2001, the State settled Dalton's lawsuit and claim for
$9,500. Dalton was represented by Richard H. Wooster of Tacoma. See:
Dalton v. Stewart, USDC Western District of Washington, Case No. C99-5459-
RJB.
Correctional Center, repeatedly raised issues regarding deficiencies in
equipment, protocol and staffing at MICC. In July 1996, Dalton was
instructed to participate in chemotherapy for a patient/prisoner at MICC.
Dalton became concerned that no protocol had been developed for
administration of the chemotherapy, no training had been conducted, and no
one with the requisite experience in dealing with the drugs necessary for
chemotherapy was on staff at MICC.
Dalton refused to participate in chemotherapy because he felt the absence
of lab studies and the absence of proper training and protocols presented
a risk to prisoners, staff and the professional licenses of personnel
participating in the chemotherapy. Dalton lodged a complaint with the
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries over the unsafe
activities, which resulted in an investigation.
Thereafter, Belinda Stewart, MICC's Superintendent, took disciplinary
action against Dalton that was disproportionate to other employees'
similar acts, which was retaliatory. Dalton was eventually terminated but
that decision was overturned by the State Personnel Appeals Board.
Stewart also filed a complaint against Dalton with the Washington State
Nursing Commission to retaliate for Dalton's whistleblowing on MICC
practices.
On January 4, 2001, the State settled Dalton's lawsuit and claim for
$9,500. Dalton was represented by Richard H. Wooster of Tacoma. See:
Dalton v. Stewart, USDC Western District of Washington, Case No. C99-5459-
RJB.
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Related legal case
Dalton v. Stewart
| Year | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Cite | USDC Western District of Washington, Case No. C99- |
| Level | District Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Attorney Fees | 0 |
| Damages | 9500 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |
no case text