Board OKs settlements for claims by ex-inmate, suicide victim’s father

CARSON CITY — A state panel voted Tuesday to settle two claims against the state worth a total of $314,000, one by an injured inmate and another by a father whose son committed suicide while in state care.

The Board of Examiners approved a $139,000 settlement for a claim brought by inmate George Simmons, who was found in his Southern Desert Correctional Center cell beaten by other inmates who were never identified. Simmons suffered a brain injury and other injuries and needs a walker to move about.

The attack occurred in May 1997 while he was serving time for a drug offense. He since has been released.

Although the claim could be defended in court, a jury might support a large judgment based on sympathy and the cost of future medical expenses, according to a report by Stan Miller, claims manager for the attorney general.

The board, composed of Gov. Jim Gibbons, Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto and Secretary of State Ross Miller, approved the settlement amount.

The other claim, for $175,000, was approved for Donald Sullivan, whose son David, 14, committed suicide while a patient at the Northern Nevada Child and Adolescent Treatment Center in January 2006.

The youth had threatened suicide and was put on suicide watch, according to Miller’s report. His shoelaces and belt were taken away but were left outside his door. The youth was able to obtain his belt and hanged himself.

The settlement was recommended because a jury could decide to award a much larger sum.