We regularly represent individuals and groups of plaintiffs who have been falsely arrested, wrongfully convicted, assaulted, or denied medical treatment by police officers and prison officials. No case is too small or too big. We have represented individuals who were briefly detained in violation of their constitutional rights, as well as those who have been killed by the police or prison guards and those who have spent decades in prison for crimes they did not commit.
Alkebulan v. Galante
Obtained a $1.8 million settlement for the Estate of Antwoine Fort, who committed suicide while in New York state prison, in a case claiming that the New York State Office of Mental Health and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Services both failed to take basic steps to keep him safe from a known and apparent serious suicide risk. This is believed to be the largest prison suicide settlement ever paid by the State of New York. The firm also obtained what is believed to be the second largest prison suicide settlement paid by the State of New York, $1.6 million, in McAllister v. Waldron.
Newton v. City of New York
Represented Alan Newton, who spent over two decades in prison for a rape he did not commit because the City could not find the DNA evidence that eventually exonerated him, in his appeal from the district court’s decision to throw out an $18 million jury verdict on his claim that the City’s inadequate evidence management system violated his right to due process. The appellate court reinstated the verdict.
Simmons v. Suffolk County
Obtained a $1.85 million settlement on behalf of the Estate of Dainell Simmons, a developmentally disabled man who was asphyxiated by Suffolk County police officers who improperly held him face down as they attempted to place leg restraints on him.
Estate of Kurt Doerbecker v. County of Nassau
Obtained a $1 million settlement on behalf of the estate and family of a 23-year old man who was fatally shot by a Nassau County police officer in a federal civil rights and wrongful death suit.
Rodriguez v. City of New York
Obtained a $1.4 million settlement on behalf of a transgender woman who was sexually assaulted twice in five days after being housed unlawfully in a male facility on Rikers Island. This is among the largest settlements of any claim brought by an individual in New York State for sexual assault while in custody.