High Court Hears Former Inmate's Case on Indemnity Benefits

Friday, October 18, 2019 | 0

A former inmate’s case against the State of Nevada for paying him only about 50 cents a day following a work-related injury was heard this week by the state Supreme Court.

Darrell White fractured his finger while working in a voluntary program with the Nevada Division of Forestry in December 2015, the Nevada Independent reported. White, who was incarcerated at the time, received a nominal wage of $18 to $22 a month and a reduced sentence.

Although White was treated after the injury, doctors recommended surgery after his release from prison in July 2016 and he was taken off of work.

White found out that his workers’ comp benefits would be tied to the income he earned while an inmate, which was $23.93 a month.

White’s attorney is arguing that the state’s minimum wage should supersede rules on inmate pay and post-injury compensation.