Wisconsin to Pay $19M to Teen Inmate Injured in Suicide Attempt

Wisconsin agreed Tuesday to pay $18.9 million to a former teen inmate who was severely brain damaged after a failed suicide attempt at the state's problem-ravaged juvenile prison.

Other lawsuits prompted by conditions at Lincoln Hills continue. One was brought by an inmate whose arm was broken; the guards who allegedly took him to the ground received letters in December from federal prosecutors telling them they could be charged with a crime. 

Another lawsuit was brought by inmates with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin and Juvenile Law Center. That litigation is ongoing but resulted in an injunction last year that forced Walker's administration to reduce its use of pepper spray and solitary confinement.