Suffolk County $18M Jail Conditions Class Action Settlement

Individuals who were detained or incarcerated at a Suffolk County correctional facility in Riverhead or Yaphank (excluding the Yaphank facility that opened in 2013) and released between April 5, 2009, and May 27, 2025, may qualify to claim a cash payment from an class action settlement.

Suffolk County agreed to pay $18 million to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging unconstitutional and inhumane conditions at its correctional facilities, including exposure to human waste, mold, vermin and other unsafe conditions.

Who can file a Suffolk County claim?

Class members must meet the following criteria:

• They were detained, housed, confined or imprisoned in a Suffolk County correctional facility (either Riverhead or Yaphank but not the Yaphank facility opened in 2013) at any time from April 5, 2009, to May 27, 2025.
• They were released on or after April 5, 2009, and on or before May 27, 2025.
• They were held for any reason, including arrest, criminal or civil contempt, detainer or conviction.

How much can class members get?

• Per diem award: Each eligible claimant receives a share of $12 million calculated by multiplying the number of days they were incarcerated by a per diem rate. The per diem rate is determined by dividing $12 million by the total number of days all authorized claimants spent in a Suffolk County correctional facility during the class period.
• Tier 1 special injury award: Up to $30,000 for claimants (or their estates) who can document death, dismemberment or a condition requiring ongoing and significant medical treatment linked to SCCF conditions. This is in addition to the per diem award.
• Tier 2 special injury award: Up to $15,000 for claimants (or their estates) who can document hospitalization or other temporary significant medical treatment linked to SCCF conditions. This is also in addition to the per diem award.

How to claim a jail conditions payment

Class members can either complete the online claim form or download, print, complete and mail the PDF claim form to the settlement administrator. The claim deadline is Dec. 3, 2025.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Claims Administrator – 83221 c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, PO Box 225391 New York, NY 10150-5391

Is proof or documentation required to submit a claim?

• To file an online claim, claimants must provide their class member ID, which is located on the postcard notice they received in the mail.
• All class members must provide their Social Security number or I-TIN.
• For the per diem award, claimants must provide information regarding their incarceration facilities and dates.
• For Tier 1 special injury awards, claimants must provide medical records or similar documents showing death, dismemberment or ongoing significant medical treatment connected to Suffolk County correctional facility conditions.
• For Tier 2 special injury awards, claimants must provide medical records or similar documents showing hospitalization or temporary significant medical treatment connected to SCCF conditions.

Payout options

The settlement administrator will send paper checks to the address provided on the claim form.

$18 million settlement fund breakdown

The $18,000,000 settlement covers:

• Settlement administration costs: $175,000
• Service awards to class representatives and certain active class members: Up to $170,000
• Attorneys' fees: $0 (counsel worked pro bono)
• Attorneys' expenses: Up to $400,000
• Payments to class members: The remainder of the fund

If there are leftover funds after all awards and expenses, the balance will be redistributed among claimants, if feasible, or donated to a nonprofit.

Important dates

• Deadline to opt out: Sept. 9, 2025
• Fairness hearing: Nov. 3, 2025
• Deadline to file a claim: Dec. 3, 2025

When is the Butler v. Suffolk County payout date?

Payments will be made approximately 90 days after the court grants final approval of the settlement and any appeals are resolved.

Why did Suffolk County settle this lawsuit?

The class action lawsuit alleged Suffolk County subjected detainees and inmates to unconstitutional and inhumane conditions at its correctional facilities, including exposure to human waste, mold, rust, vermin and freezing temperatures and inadequate access to clean water.

The parties agreed to settle to provide prompt relief, avoid the risks and delays of further litigation and implement changes to Suffolk County correctional facility practices. The settlement includes both monetary compensation and injunctive relief to improve facility conditions.

Sources

1. Class notice
2. Claim form
3. Settlement agreement
4. Settlement FAQ