MDC Blackout Settlement – $10M For Affected Inmates

The MDC Blackout Settlement deals with a legal agreement about the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York. In 2019, the MDC had a serious power outage that lasted a week, leaving inmates without essential needs. This led to a class-action lawsuit from the inmates. This post will cover what happened, the lawsuit, the people involved, and the settlement.

MDC Overview

Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn is a facility that houses individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial. Sadly, in January 2019, an electrical fire led to a power outage in the West Building of the MDC.

The outage lasted from January 27 to February 3, 2019, leaving nearly 1,600 people without proper food, medicine, clothing, blankets, or communication with their families. This was not just a blackout. It was a crisis that highlighted the urgent need for better conditions in such facilities.

Lawsuit Against The United States Government

The power outage at MDC lasted from January 27 to February 3, 2019. It was caused by an electrical fire. Prisoners endured frigid temperatures, had no hot water, and received inadequate food and medical care. Many were locked in their cells 24/7.

In response, a class-action lawsuit was filed against the U.S. government on behalf of the affected prisoners. The case, Scott v. United States, highlighted the severe and inhumane conditions they faced during the outage. On May 25, 2021, U.S. District Judge Edward Korman granted class certification, allowing the lawsuit to proceed.

Parties Involved

The class-action lawsuit represented nearly 1,600 individuals incarcerated in MDC’s West Building during the outage. The legal team included attorneys from Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP, the Civil Rights Clinic of the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, and other firms. They fought tirelessly to hold the government accountable and secure justice for their clients.

MDC Blackout Settlement Details

The settlement, valued at around $10 million total, was the result of the lawsuit Scott v. United States. Filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, it alleged that the Bureau of Prisons failed to properly maintain the MDC facility and adequately respond to the emergency conditions the power outage caused.

Under the settlement, the government agreed to pay:

• $8,750 to nearly 1,000 claimants for enduring the inhumane conditions
• An additional $8,750 to 69 people who had untreated medical issues during the outage
• $2,500 to about 554 people who submitted claims after the deadline

The case gained class-action certification in May 2021, which allowed approximately 1,700 prisoners to join the lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Edward Korman granted this certification.

Who Was Eligible For Compensation?

The MDC Blackout Settlement pertains to those who had the misfortune of being incarcerated at MDC’s West Building during the severe power outage from January 27 to February 3, 2019. These individuals had to endure dark, icy conditions without sufficient food, medicine, clothing, or communication.

In May 2021, U.S. District Judge Edward Korman granted a class certification to the lawsuit. This critical step allowed nearly 1,700 prisoners to join the suit and seek compensation for their suffering.

How To Claim Compensation?

Prisoners who were part of the class-action lawsuit should have received notification with instructions on how to claim their portion of the settlement. The court appointed a Settlement Administrator to manage the claims process.

Those who submitted valid claims before the deadline would have received the full compensation amount they were eligible for. The 554 claimants who filed after the deadline were still able to receive some compensation, but at the reduced $2,500 level.

Any unclaimed funds from the settlement will be distributed cy pres to a nonprofit dedicated to improving conditions for incarcerated people. This ensures the settlement money goes to support the affected community.

Settlement Fund Distribution

The MDC Blackout Settlement, reached in August 2023, will provide much-needed relief to the approximately 1,600 prisoners who endured inhumane conditions during the outage. The United States has agreed to pay around $10 million total to those affected.

Most claimants, almost 1,000 people, will receive $8,750 each for the suffering they experienced due to lack of heat, lighting, food, medicine and other basic needs. An additional 69 individuals who had untreated medical conditions during the outage will get another $8,750 on top of that.

The settlement also includes $2,500 payments to about 554 people who submitted claims after the original deadline. While it took time, this fund will help provide some restitution to those who went through this terrible ordeal.

Settlement Timeline & Important Dates

The path to this settlement has been long, but each step brought the affected prisoners closer to justice. Here are the key dates in the case:

• January 27 to February 3, 2019: The power outage and electrical fire occurs at MDC, leaving prisoners in horrific conditions.
  
• May 25, 2021: U.S. District Judge Edward R. Korman grants class certification to the plaintiffs, allowing the lawsuit to move forward.
  
• August 2023: A settlement is finally reached, with the U.S. agreeing to pay approximately $10 million to the prisoners.

The class certification in 2021 was a crucial turning point. Judge Korman found that the class of plaintiffs met all the necessary legal requirements, which strengthened their case significantly.

Current Status Of The Settlement

As of now, the settlement has been reached and the distribution of funds should begin soon. After everything they went through, the prisoners who suffered during the blackout will finally get some compensation.

However, it’s important to remember that no amount of money can undo the pain and trauma inflicted during those 7 days in 2019. The inhumane conditions they faced are inexcusable and should never happen again.

This settlement is a step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done to protect the rights and well-being of incarcerated individuals. Hopefully the MDC Blackout Settlement sends a message that this type of treatment will not be tolerated.

Last Words

The MDC Blackout Settlement is a big step towards justice for the nearly 1,600 inmates who suffered during the 2019 power outage at the Metropolitan Detention Center. The $10 million settlement recognizes the hardship they faced without basic needs and proper care.

Although it provides some compensation, it also emphasizes the need for better conditions and reforms to prevent such problems in the future. This case shows how important it is to ensure fair and humane treatment for everyone, no matter their situation.

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