Parents of Deceased Wisconsin Boot Camp Prisoner Settle for $462,000
The parents of a Wisconsin state prisoner who died due to exercise stress after his medical complaints were ignored settled their wrongful death suit for $462,000.
The Homeslys were parents of a male 20-year-old Wisconsin state prisoner who died of exercise stress. The son opted to attend the "Atlas" boot camp program at the St. Croix minimum-security prison after having his probation for disorderly conduct, misdemeanor battery, and possession of marijuana revoked. The boot camp involved strenuous physical exercise. The son complained of inability to breathe and chest pains, but these complaints were dismissed by camp personnel as over exaggeration, even though the son had a pre-existing asthma condition. The son collapsed and died during a long run in full clothing (long pants and boots) in 95-degree weather, following a day of strenuous landscaping.
The parents sued, alleging inadequate medical screening and monitoring. The Department of Correction conducted an investigation which discovered a several flaws and weaknesses in the program. On October 1, 2003, the State settled for $462,000 and agreed, as part of the settlement to re-evaluate the boot camp program and make the changes necessary to safeguard the prisoners' health. The Homeslys were represented by attorney Keith R. Clifford of Madison. See: Homeslys v. Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Case No. No. 02 CV 3262 (Wisc. 5th Judicial Dist. 10-01-03).
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Related legal case
Homeslys v. Wisconsin DOC
| Year | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Cite | Case No. 02 CV 3262 (Wisc. 5th Jud. Dist. 10-1-03) |
| Level | State Trial Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Damages | 462000 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |