Headdress Reaches Settlement In Lawsuit
Roosevelt County resident Tyler Headdress has reached a settlement with the federal government regarding injuries suffered while incarcerated in the Fort Peck tribal jail during 2018.
Headdress agreed to a settlement of $50,000. The lawsuit was field in April 2020 to seek compensation for injuries suffered that included broken hands. Headdress claimed that jail staff failed to properly protect him and provide medical assistance while he was incarcerated.
Headdress is an enrolled tribal member of Fort Peck. According to court documents, another inmate kicked him in the head and body on Dec. 15. 2018. When Headdress put his hands around his face and head to protect himself, the other inmate allegedly kicked Headdress’ hands and broke several bones.
During the next four days, Headdress repeatedly asked guards to have his hands checked by medical personnel. When he asked to call relatives to tell them of his condition, he was refused because he was on disciplinary status.
Headdress was bonded out of jail on Dec. 21, 2018. X-rays taken at the Poplar Indian Health Service clinic revealed that Headdress had multiple fractures. He was referred to the Billings Clinic for surgeries. The operations were not able to repair his hands completely as he still experiences pain in his hands.
