$950,000 Settlement in DC Prisoner’s False Imprisonment Lawsuit
The District of Columbia paid $950,000 to settle the lawsuit of Joseph S. Heard for unlawful imprisonment.
On November 15, 1998, Heard, a deaf man, was arrested for unlawful entry into a George Washington University building. The case was dismissed October 13, 1999 with an order from the court for Heard’s release from custody. As was the practice, Heard was transported to the D.C. jail for release.
Heard was released 670 days later.
His complaint alleged negligence, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, violation of human rights and deliberate indifference.
Heard accepted settlement on December 22, 2006. He was represented by the Washington, DC firm Goodwin Procter LLP.
See: Heard v. District of Columbia, USDC District of Columbia, Case No. 1:02CV00296.
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Related legal case
Heard v. District of Columbia
| Year | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Cite | USDC District of Columbia, Case No. 1:02CV00296. |
| Level | District Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Damages | 950,000 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |