$18M Suffolk County Correctional Facilities class action settlement over unconstitutional conditions

New York State’s Suffolk County has agreed to pay $18 million as part of a settlement to resolve claims it subjected inmates to unconstitutional conditions in its correctional facilities.

The settlement benefits individuals who were detained and housed in the Suffolk County Correctional Facilities (SCCF), Yaphank or Riverhead, between April 5, 2009, and May 27, 2025, excluding individuals housed solely in the facility that opened in Yaphank in 2013.

The Suffolk County Correctional Facilities are located in Riverhead and Yaphank, New York. The facilities are overseen by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a class action lawsuit, the conditions in the Suffolk County Correctional Facilities violate the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The plaintiffs in the case say the facilities expose inmates to human waste, mold, rust, vermin, freezing temperatures and other issues.

The class action lawsuit claims these conditions violate the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. The plaintiffs also argue the conditions violate their Fourteenth Amendment rights to due process.

Suffolk County has not admitted to any wrongdoing but agreed to pay this $18 million settlement to resolve the allegations. The county previously agreed to make changes to its correctional facilities to improve conditions.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members can receive a cash payment based on the number of days they were incarcerated in the Suffolk County Correctional Facilities during the class period.

The settlement allocates $12 million for per diem payments. Class members who were incarcerated for a longer period of time will receive a larger share of the settlement fund. Exact payments will vary depending on the number of days each class member was incarcerated.

The settlement also provides for two tiers of special injury payments for class members who experienced serious injuries as a result of the conditions in the correctional facilities.

Class members who experienced death, dismemberment or a condition requiring ongoing and significant medical treatment related to the conditions of confinement can receive a Tier 1 Special Injury Award of up to $30,000.

Class members who experienced hospitalization or other temporary significant medical treatment related to the conditions of confinement can receive a Tier 2 Special Injury Award of up to $15,000.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is Sept. 9, 2025.

The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2025.

To receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by Dec. 3, 2025.

Who’s Eligible

The settlement benefits individuals who are or were detainees or inmates in the custody of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department and housed in the Suffolk County Correctional Facilities and who were released from the SCCF on or after April 5, 2009, and May 27, 2025, except for those housed exclusively in the facility that opened in Yaphank in 2013.

Potential Award

Varies.

Proof of Purchase

Medical records or similar documents.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

12/03/2025

Case Name

Butler, et al. v. Suffolk County, et al., Case No. 11-cv-02602-AYS, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York

Final Hearing

11/03/2025

Settlement Website

SuffolkJailsLawsuit.com

Claims Administrator

Mantha v. QuoteWizard
c/o A.B. Data Ltd.
P.O. Box 170600
Milwaukee WI, 53217
[email protected]
877-234-5462

Class Counsel

Daniel H.R. Laguardia
John Nathanson
Elizabeth J. Stewart
Benjamin Klebanoff
ALLEN & OVERY SHEARMAN STERLING US LLP

Gabriella Larios
Molly Biklen
Veronica R. Salama
NEW YORK CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION

Defense Counsel

E. Christopher Murray
Michelle A. Klein
Elizabeth S. Sy
Caitlyn Gibbons
RIVKIN RADLER LLP