Overview
(June 3, 2024, Washington, DC) – Steptoe achieved a favorable jury verdict in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia on behalf of the Plaintiff, a pro bono client who is currently incarcerated and in the custody of the Virginia Department of Corrections.
With the assistance of Steptoe, the Plaintiff brought claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against the head of security at Wallens Ridge State Prison for violating his Eighth Amendment rights, which entitled him to be free from cruel and unusual punishment at the hands of state officials during his incarceration. Our client alleged that the Defendant willfully subjected him to harm at the hands of another inmate after deliberately re-housing him with an inmate who posed a known threat. After a two-day trial, the jury found the Defendant liable for causing the injuries that Plaintiff sustained at the hands of the other inmate, and awarded compensatory and punitive damages. In addition, the Plaintiff was moved to another prison and placed in protective custody where he no longer has to fear for his safety.
Partner Patrick Linehan led the Steptoe team, which included associates Elise Haverman, Cannon Jurrens, Maia Danna, Gabe Scavone, and pre-law fellow Brandon Hernandez.
About Steptoe
In more than 110 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
