Federal Jury Awards $37,500 in Punitive Damages to SCI Greene Inmate in “Cruel and Unusual” Conditions Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Federal Jury Awards $37,500 in Punitive Damages to SCI Greene Inmate in “Cruel and Unusual” Conditions Case

PITTSBURGH, PA — A federal jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania has delivered a verdict in favor of Maurice D. Able, an inmate at SCI Greene, awarding $37,500 in punitive damages after finding that his constitutional rights were violated.

The lawsuit, Maurice D. Able v. Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, et al., centered on a 50-day period in 2018 during which Mr. Able was subjected to "cruel and unusual punishment" while held in a Secure Residential Treatment Unit (SRTU). Represented by Rachel McElroy of the McElroy Law Firm, the case successfully argued that prison officials showed "deliberate indifference" to Mr. Able’s basic human needs.

The evidence presented at trial detailed a harrowing environment where Mr. Able was placed in a high-security wing for the mentally ill despite having no such diagnosis. During his time there, he was denied access to basic hygiene, clean clothing, and legal materials.

“Our goal is always to ensure that individuals receive the legal protection and the compensation they are rightfully owed when they have been wronged by powerful institutions,” said Rachel McElroy. “This verdict is a recognition of the hardship Mr. Able endured. It reinforces the principle that no one is above the law, and every individual deserves to have their basic rights respected.”

The jury’s decision to award punitive damages against unit supervisor Candice Lackey underscores the severity of the oversight. McElroy argued that the defense's reliance on "imperfect paperwork" did not excuse the deprivation of Mr. Able’s rights, famously noting that "Not my shift, not my problem" is an unacceptable stance for those in positions of authority.

This victory highlights the McElroy Law Firm's dedication to navigating complex legal systems to secure justice and financial recovery for their clients.

About McElroy Law Firm:

The McElroy Law Firm is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of the legal system. Based in Pittsburgh, the firm specializes in helping people get the just compensation and legal help they need when their rights have been compromised or they have suffered at the hands of institutional negligence