MELVIN WILLIAMS-EL, Claimant, u. THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Respondent.
Case summary
Claimant, an inmate, alleged intentional infliction of mental distress after a guard unlocked an unauthorized inmate into his cell. The court found the guard's actions went beyond normal prison hazards and awarded $250.00.
AI-generated summary from the opinion text — may contain errors. The opinion text and PDF above are the official record.
Headnotes
- PHISONERS AND INMATES-UnaUthO?&ed inmate allowed in ChimUnt’S cell-intentional infliction o f mental distress-claim allowed. An inmate of a correctional facility was granted an award for the intentional infliction of mental distress arising from an incident in which a guard allowed an unauthorized inmate into the Claimant’s cell, notwithstanding the fact that the Claimant was not physically injured and that the normal conditions of prison life could produce the anxiety the Claimant complained of, since the actions of the guard were beyond the normal hazards of prison life.
This cause coming on for hearing, the Court being fully advised in the premises;
The facts are stipulated. A guard unlocked and allowed an unauthorized inmate into Claimant’s cell.. The Claimant reacted quickly, grabbing the inmate and reversing their positions placing himself outside the cell and locking the potential assailant within.
It is further noted that the officer falsified a report claiming an assault’by the inmate. If said report had been allowed ‘ to stand, Claimant would have lost privileges and six months of good time. Claimant shows no physical injury, and the nature of his cause of action is for intentional infliction of mental distress.
Claimant testified to .being afraid, nervous and upset over the incident. It may be argued that the day-today existence while being incarcerated in a maximum security prison would produce this type of anxiety. In this case, however, the agent of the State, Officer Donoyan, went beyond the normal hazards of prison life. The apprehension produced, both as to physical harm and loss of privileges, is compensable.
It is therefore ordered that Claimant is awarded $250.00 in full and complete satisfaction of this claim.