Eagle Butte man says he considers ‘KKK’ scars case a victory

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) – An Eagle Butte man whose claims of civil rights violations by Rapid City health care workers were rejected by jurors says he still considers his court battle a victory.

Federal jurors on Friday ruled that Rapid City Regional Hospital is not liable for the “KKK” scars that Vern Traversie says workers carved into his stomach during heart surgery in 2011. Traversie sued the hospital for alleged violations of civil rights, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The 71-year-old Traversie said in a statement that he shared his story only to make sure that no other American Indians are treated in an “uncaring” way.

He says powerful institutions in Rapid City have now learned that American Indians have a voice and are not afraid to call for justice.