Historic Settlement in Class Action Suit Regarding the Shackling of Pregnant Women in Cook County (Thomas Morrissey and Kenneth Flaxman are Kurth Lampe clients)

$4.1 Million Settlement in Cook County, Illinois Pregnant Shackling Class Action Suit brought by Thomas Morrissey and Kenneth Flaxman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) - May 22, 2012 - Today in federal court, Judge St. Eve signed an historic $4.1 million preliminary settlement agreement in a class action suit for pregnant women shackled by Cook County sheriffs.  The proposed settlement is the first in the nation for victims of shackling to receive compensation for their being shackled during labor, childbirth and recovery, and, is unique in its provision for counseling services as part of the settlement agreement.  

Attorney Tom Morrissey said, “I am grateful that we have been able to get some restitution for the women in Cook County who had to endure this inhumane treatment and that Sheriff Dart has ended these practices.  I am very proud that we have also been able to insure that counseling services will be available to them as part of the settlement.”

Morrissey and attorney Kenneth Flaxman represent the class of dozens of women who were in the custody of defendant Sheriff Tom Dart on and after December 4, 2006 who had been shackled during labor, delivery, or recovery following childbirth.

While the exact amount will vary depending upon circumstances, the average woman in the class will receive approximately $30,000. Members of the class will also counseling on issues relating to employment, education, housing, personal needs and family relations. In addition, most class members could participate in family counseling, anger management, substance abuse treatment, job training and financial responsibility programs.