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$26,000 Awarded In Washington Jail Suicide Suit
In May 1997, the Superior Court of Washington awarded $26,000 to the estate
of a prisoner who committed suicide in the Kent city jail. The estate
asserted that despite being on suicide watch, the prisoner, a 37-year-old
male, was left unattended for 2 1/2 hours while jailers conducted a party
for a newly promoted sergeant. The prisoner committed suicide during their
absence.
The estate contended the City was negligent for not maintaining constant
supervision of the prisoner. The prisoner was found 70% negligent for his
December 1992 suicide and the award was reduced accordingly. See: Chavez v.
City Of Kent, Superior Court Of Washington, King County, Case No.
95:-2-82750-8, 1997 WL 636591 (WA Super.).
of a prisoner who committed suicide in the Kent city jail. The estate
asserted that despite being on suicide watch, the prisoner, a 37-year-old
male, was left unattended for 2 1/2 hours while jailers conducted a party
for a newly promoted sergeant. The prisoner committed suicide during their
absence.
The estate contended the City was negligent for not maintaining constant
supervision of the prisoner. The prisoner was found 70% negligent for his
December 1992 suicide and the award was reduced accordingly. See: Chavez v.
City Of Kent, Superior Court Of Washington, King County, Case No.
95:-2-82750-8, 1997 WL 636591 (WA Super.).
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Related legal case
Chavez v. City Of Kent
| Year | 1997 |
|---|---|
| Cite | Superior Court Of Washington, King County, Case No |
| Level | State Trial Court |
| Conclusion | Bench Verdict |
| Attorney Fees | 0 |
| Damages | 26000 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |