UPDATE: The Claims Period is now over. Payments to class members who are eligible for payment and who submitted timely claim forms are being mailed on Tuesday, July 5, 2011. Checks may take up to 2 weeks to arrive in the mail. If you do not receive your check by July 19, please contact us at 1-877-314-6057. Please continue to check the website for updates.

IF YOU WERE STRIP-SEARCHED DURING ADMISSION INTO THE COOK COUNTY JAIL BETWEEN JANUARY 30, 2004 AND MARCH 30, 2009, YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO MONEY.

Overview of the Proposed Settlement

Cook County and its insurers have agreed to pay $55 million in money damages to more than 250,000 individuals who were unlawfully strip searched during the admission process into Cook County Jail between January 30, 2004 and March 30, 2009. The lawsuit brought several claims under the United States Constitution to challenge the Jail’s blanket strip-search policy, as well as the policy of strip-searching men in groups without privacy. The Settlement Fund will cover the costs of class notice and settlement administration, attorneys’ fees and costs, and incentive awards to the Class Representatives. At a later date, additional money may become available to class members under the County’s insurance coverage for this case.

On November 24, 2010, the Court granted preliminary approval to the proposed settlement and on March 1, 2011 the Court granted final approval of the settlement.

Who is included?

The two classes in this lawsuit are:

• Class I: All males who were subjected to a strip search and/or a visual body cavity search as a new detainee at the Cook County Jail between January 30, 2004 and March 30, 2009; and/or
  
  
• Class II: All people (male and female) charged with only a misdemeanor or lesser offense not involving drugs or weapons who were subjected to a strip search and/or a visual body cavity search as a new detainee at the Cook County Jail between January 30, 2004 and March 30, 2009.

What does the Settlement provide?

The Settlement Fund provides for a $55 million cash fund, which will be distributed to class members who have submitted claim forms. In addition, the claim administration costs, attorneys’ fees and costs, and class representative incentive awards, will be paid from the Settlement Fund. The Settlement entitles men who are members of Class I and Class II to receive an estimated payment of approximately $1,000, however, this amount may be lower or higher depending on the number of valid claims that have been submitted. Men who are members of Class I only are entitled to receive an estimated payment of approximately $700, however, this amount may be lower or higher depending on the number of valid claims that have been submitted. Women who are members of Class II are entitled to receive an estimated payment of approximately $500, however, this amount may be lower or higher depending on the number of valid claims that have been submitted.

Additional money may be available from Cook County’s insurance policies for this case. If so, that money would be paid out later, in a second check.

What are my options?