Justice for Garner Radon Victims
Were you or a loved one at Garner Correctional?
exposure to cancer-causing radon gas at Garner Correctional has put inmates and staff at serious risk – and a federal class-action lawsuit is now underway.
Toxic radon exposure at Garner Correctional linked to lung cancer and other serious illnesses for inmates and staff (1993-2019)
The State of Connecticut failed to protect you.
A federal class-action lawsuit is underway to seek accountability and justice for those exposed.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States — and the number one cause among non-smokers. If you lived or worked at Garner Correctional Institution between 1993 and 2019, you may already be included in the case and have legal rights under the ongoing lawsuit.
See if you qualify. It's 100% free and confidential.
Court-authorized case · Vega v. Semple (3:17-CV-00107)
Toxic Gas unchecked in ct Prison
WHAT HAPPENED AT GARNER?
Between 1993 and 2019, inmates and staff at Garner Correctional Institution — a state prison in Newtown, Connecticut — were exposed to dangerously high levels of radon gas, a radioactive substance known to cause lung cancer.
Independent testing confirmed that radon levels inside the facility far exceeded safety limits set by the EPA and OSHA. Despite these findings, the State of Connecticut failed to properly test, warn, or mitigate the contamination, leaving people continuously exposed for years.
As a result, a federal class-action lawsuit (Vega v. Semple) asserts that the state knowingly ignored these hazards, violating constitutional rights and endangering lives.
The case — officially certified by the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut — is led by Attorney Martin J. Minnella of Minnella & Tramuta, LLC, Lead Counsel for the Plaintiffs, who is fighting for justice and accountability for those harmed by Connecticut’s negligence.
Spent Time at Garner?
Know Your Rights.
If you were at Garner Correctional between 1993 and 2019, you may already be included in the federal class-action lawsuit.
Learn your rights and find out whether you could qualify for compensation. It's free and 100% confidential.
Facts about the Garner Radon Case: Vega v. Semple
They knew — and Still Did Nothing
Court filings in Vega v. Semple reveal that Connecticut state officials knew about dangerous radon levels at Garner Correctional but failed to act, leaving inmates and staff exposed for years.
Court records show that:
Garner Correctional was built in an area known for high natural radon levels.
Indoor testing revealed readings between 5.0 and 23.7 pCi/L, far above EPA safety limits.
Only classroom areas were tested for radon; cell blocks and housing units were excluded.
A mitigation system was later installed, but it did not cover all affected areas.
Staff were informed of exposure risks and potential claims — inmates were not.
You deserve answers.
If you were at Garner Correctional between 1993 and 2019, you may already be included in the federal class-action lawsuit. Learn your rights and find out whether you could qualify for compensation. Checking your eligibility is free and 100% confidential.
Health · Accountability · Justice
Know Your Rights. Protect your health.
Health · Accountability · Justice
Know Your Rights:
Everyone deserves to understand what happened, and what protections may be available.
Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and is the number one cause among non-smokers.
Exposure builds silently over time, with symptoms appearing years later.
People are coming forward to:
Protect their health through screening and testing
Help reveal how many people were affected
Stay informed if compensation or medical benefits become available
Who Is Included in the Garner Radon Class Action
WHO IS INCLUDED
You may already be part of the class if:
You were incarcerated at Garner Correctional Institution anytime from June 18, 1993 – present
You worked at or frequently visited the facility as staff or contractor
You have or may later develop lung cancer or other serious lung problems
You have the right to know whether this lawsuit applies to you — and what happens next.
Protect Your Health. Protect Your Rights.
Even if you’re unsure about exposure, talk with a doctor and mention possible radon exposure at Garner Correctional Institution.
Our legal team can help you:
Understand the Garner Radon Lawsuit and its current stage
Access lung-screening and testing resources
Stay updated on potential compensation or medical monitoring if the case succeeds
Even if you’re unsure about exposure, talk with a doctor and mention possible radon exposure at Garner Correctional Institution.
Our legal team can help you:
Understand the Garner Radon Lawsuit and its current stage
Access lung-screening and testing resources
Stay updated on potential compensation or medical monitoring if the case succeeds
Free and Confidential Legal Review
If you lived or worked at Garner Correctional Institution (CT), fill out the form below.
Our legal team will contact you to answer questions and learn more about your experience.
Family members of former inmates or staff can also request updates and health information, even though they are not part of the certified class.
FREE & CONFIDENTIAL REVIEW
Free and confidential — your information helps our legal team understand how former inmates, staff, and families were affected by radon exposure at Garner Correctional.
By submitting this form, I consent to be contacted by Minnella & Tramuta, LLC regarding the Garner Radon Case, including by phone, text, or email. I understand this form is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.*
Key Questions Answered for Radon Exposure Victims and Families
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is radon and how is it harmful?
Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer and is undetectable without specific equipment.
How did the radon exposure occur at Garner Correctional?
The exposure at Garner Correctional is believed to result from inadequate ventilation and failure to adhere to safety protocols that should prevent harmful radon levels. Investigations are ongoing and our firm is actively involved.
Who is eligible to join the class action lawsuit?
Any current or former inmate or staff member who spent time at Garner Correctional during the period of suspected radon exposure may be eligible. This also includes significant visitors.
What kind of compensation can victims expect?
Compensation may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages based on several factors.
Is there a time limit for filing a claim regarding radon exposure?
Yes, personal injury claims are subject to statute of limitations which vary by state.
How does Justice for Radon Exposure Victims at Garner Correctional protect my privacy
We handle all client details and consultations with strict confidentiality to protect sensitive information.