Radon Exposure Alert
Were you or a loved one at Garner Correctional?
The State of Connecticut Failed to protect Inmates from Prolonged exposure to cancer-causing radon gas. A federal class-action lawsuit is underway on Your Behalf.
If you lived at the facility between 1993 and 2019, you may already be included in the case and could be eligible for future compensation.
See if You Qualify and Stay Informed.
It's 100% Free and Confidential.
Court-authorized case · Vega v. Semple (3:17-CV-00107) · Information submitted to Minnella & Tramuta LLC, Court-appointed Counsel
Toxic Gas Ignored in a Connecticut Prison
WHAT HAPPENED AT GARNER Correctional Institution
Between 1993 and 2019, inmates and staff at Garner Correctional Institution in Newtown, Connecticut were exposed to dangerously high levels of radon gas, a radioactive substance and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
Court records in Vega v. Semple reveal that Connecticut officials knew about the hazard but failed to act, leaving people continuously exposed to unsafe conditions that far exceeded EPA and OSHA safety limits.
Court records show:
Garner Correctional was built in a known radon zone.
Tests showed 5.0 to 23.7 pCi/L — hundreds of times higher than federal safety limits.
Only classrooms were tested; cell blocks and housing units were excluded.
A partial mitigation system was later installed, but failed to protect everyone inside.
Staff were informed of the risks — inmates were not.
A federal class-action lawsuit (Vega v. Semple) led by Attorney Martin J. Minnella of Minnella & Tramuta, LLC seeks justice and accountability for those harmed by the State of Connecticut’s negligence.
Spent Time at Garner Correctional?
You may already be part of the certified class.
Our legal team is reaching out to individuals who may have been impacted by radon exposure at Garner Correctional Institution. Submitting your information is free and confidential and ensures you'll receive official case updates.
Information submitted to Minnella & Tramuta LLC, Court-appointed Counsel
Your Health. Your Rights. Your Voice.
Why This Case Matters.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States — and the number one cause among non-smokers
It builds silently over time, and its effects can take years to appear.
At Garner Correctional Institution, people lived and worked in air containing radiation levels hundreds of times above federal safety limits.
This case is about more than exposure — it’s about safety, justice, and accountability.
Why People Are Coming Forward:
Protect their health through screening and testing
Help uncover how many lives were affected
Stay informed about medical monitoring and potential financial relief
Your Deserve answers – and Accountability.
We’re helping former inmates, staff, and families learn their rights, receive case updates, and access potential relief.
Information submitted to Minnella & Tramuta LLC, Court-appointed Counsel
Seeking Justice for Garner Radon Victims
Who Is Included in the Class action?
You may already be part of the class action 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 respiratory illness
You have the right to know whether this case applies to you – and what comes next.
Information submitted to Minnella & Tramuta LLC, Court-appointed Counsel
Your Health Comes First
Protect your Health - and your future.
Radon exposure isn’t visible, but its health effects are serious and long-term.
Even if you’re unsure whether you were exposed, tell your doctor about possible radon exposure at Garner Correctional Institution.
Ask your doctor about:
Low-dose CT scans or lung screening tests
Regular respiratory checkups
Free or low-cost radon programs through the EPA or American Lung Association
Our legal team can also help you stay informed about medical monitoring options and compensation as the case progresses.
Information submitted to Minnella & Tramuta LLC, Court-appointed Counsel,
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
Our legal team is here to help you understand your rights
Free and Confidential Legal Review
Our court-appointed legal team is helping individuals affected by radon exposure at Garner Correctional Institution review their eligibility — 100% free and confidential.
FREE LEGAL REVIEW
If you or a loved one were at Garner Correctional (1993-2019), please share your information below. Our team will reach out to confirm eligibity, answer questions, and keep you informed of case updates.
By submitting this form, I consent to be contacted by Minnella & Tramuta, LLC, Court-Appointed Class Counsel regarding the Garner Radon Case, including by phone, text, or email. I understand this form is for informational purposes 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 an odorless, colorless radioactive gas that forms naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. When it seeps into enclosed buildings—especially underground or poorly ventilated spaces like prisons—it can build up to dangerously high concentrations.
It is a leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the number-one cause among non-smokers. Prolonged exposure can damage lung tissue and lead to other serious respiratory diseases.
At Garner Correctional Institution, testing revealed radon levels hundreds of times higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended limit, meaning every breath inside the facility could have increased the long-term risk of lung cancer.
For more information on radon and health risks, visit the EPA Radon Information Center or the American Lung Association’s Radon page.
What is the Garner Radon Lawsuit?
A federal class-action lawsuit (Vega v. Semple) asserts that the State of Connecticut knowingly subjected inmates and staff at Garner Correctional Institution — a state prison in Newtown, CT — to radon concentrations exceeding federal safety limits, exposing them to a proven cause of lung cancer without implementing required environmental or health protections. The case is currently underway.
Who is included in the lawsuit?
Anyone incarcerated or employed at Garner Correctional Institution between June 18, 1993, and the present may be part of the certified class.
We urge anyone who was at Garner during that time to contact us by completing the contact form on this page.
What should I do about my health?
If you were incarcerated or employed at Garner Correctional Institution, it’s important to talk to your doctor about lung screening and respiratory health. Mention possible radon exposure and ask about low-dose CT scans or other screening options for early detection of lung cancer or related conditions. Early detection can save lives.
What happens after I submit the form?
When you submit your information, it goes directly to Minnella & Tramuta, LLC, the Court-Appointed Class Counsel representing individuals affected by radon exposure at Garner Correctional Institution.
A member of our legal team will reach out to answer your questions, confirm eligibility, or provide updates as the case progresses. Submissions are completely confidential and do not create an attorney-client relationship at this time.
What kind of compensation can victims expect?
No compensation is available yet, as the case is still in litigation. If it succeeds or a settlement is reached, compensation for eligible individuals may include financial compensation or medical monitoring benefits.
Do I need to sign up to join the case?
No. If you qualify, you’re already part of the certified class. Submitting your information ensures that Class Counsel can contact you with updates and assist you in understanding your rights.
What if my family member or loved one was at Garner Correctional Institution?
If your loved one was incarcerated or employed at Garner during or after 1993, they may be part of the class. Family members are encouraged to submit information on their behalf, especially if the individual has passed away or developed health issues that may be related to radon exposure. Our legal team will review the information and reach out directly to discuss eligibility and next steps.
Is there any cost to discuss my eligibility?
No. It is completely free to provide your information. You are not hiring a lawyer or committing to anything by filling out the form — you’re simply ensuring that your details are on file for official case updates and eligibility review.
If you are already part of the certified class, you are already represented by Minnella & Tramuta, LLC, Court-Appointed Class Counsel in this case. There are no fees or costs to you for this review or representation.
Who represents me in this case?
We are Minnella & Tramuta, LLC, the Court-Appointed Class Counsel representing individuals affected by radon exposure at Garner Correctional Institution in the federal class-action lawsuit Vega v. Semple.
Our firm — together with McCarter & English LLP — is leading the case on behalf of all those impacted. Attorney Martin J. Minnella, our firm’s founder, serves as Lead Counsel for the Plaintiffs, overseeing the legal strategy and fighting to hold the State of Connecticut accountable for its failure to protect inmates and staff from unsafe radon levels.
Your Deserve answers – and Accountability.
We’re helping former inmates, staff, and families learn their rights, receive case updates, and access potential relief.
Information submitted to Minnella & Tramuta LLC, Court-appointed Counsel
This page is for informational purposes only and is not an official court notice. Submitting information does not create an attorney-client relationship or guarantee compensation. The certified class action Vega v. Semple (3:17-CV-00107 (MEG)) is pending in the U.S. District Court for Connecticut. If the class wins or a settlement is approved, eligible members could receive compensation or medical benefits.
Read the official court notice: portal.ct.gov/vega_v_semple
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