Case Result: Macomb County Jury Rules Nurse Not Negligent in Inmate Suicide Action

Jurisdiction:
Macomb County, Michigan

Professional:
Nurse

Primary issue:
Plaintiff’s decedent Sexton was incarcerated at Macomb County Jail. During intake, she did not appear suicidal, and with the exception of prior psychiatric history, she answered all suicide screening questions in the negative. Because of prior suicidal ideation, the electronic medical record autofilled the suggested housing placement as “suicide watch.” Sexton was placed in detox for alcohol and not suicide watch. Forty hours into her five-day detox program, she was moved by custody to max/segregation. She committed suicide within three hours.

The estate sued the nurse and the employer for professional negligence and “failure to train” by Correct Care Solutions. Defense argued the actual record did not support suicide watch; further, if the nurse saw the checked box, she would have unchecked it.

The plaintiff sought $4.5 million in damages.

Result:
After a four-day jury trial, the jury returned a verdict of No Cause of Action. A judgment was entered to dismiss the case.

Areas of Law:
Gross Negligence
Correctional Healthcare

More Info:
“Macomb County jury: No cause against jail medical provider in suicide” (The Macomb Daily)

Disclaimer:
This information is a sample of our past results. Prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results. Every case is different and each case must be evaluated and handled on its own merits. The circumstances of your case may differ from the results provided. The information provided has not been reviewed or approved by the State Bar.