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Washington DOC Pays $40,000 in Chair Collapse
In 1999, the Department of Corrections and the State of Washington paid Michael Debruyne $40,000. Debruyne, a free citizen of the State of Washington, was employed by Beginning Alliance, a contractor with the DOC providing alcohol and drug rehabilitation counseling at the DOC facility in Shelton, Wa. On December 20, 1993, Debruyne was injured as he sat in a chair supplied and owned by the DOC. While in the course of his duties, the chair, which he sat in, violently collapsed causing Debruyne to fall backwards, striking his head and upper back on the floor. As a direct result, Debruyne suffered pains to his neck and back, as well as a loss of consortium, companionship, love and affection. He and his wife, Katherine E. Debruyne, filed a tort claim on September 18, 1995, claiming that the State of Washington and DOC were negligent and careless. The Division of Risk Management did not respond. In 1996, the Debruynes filed a suit by and through their attorney J. Scott Stevens of Lacey, and on June 14, 1999, the State of Washington and DOC paid $40,000 to settle the case. See: Debruyne v. the State of Washington and DOC, Thurston County Superior Court, case no. 96-2-04484-6.
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Related legal case
Debruyne v. State of Washington and DOC
| Year | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Cite | Thurston Co Sup Ct, case no. 96-2-04484-6 |
| Level | State Trial Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Attorney Fees | 0 |
| Damages | 40000 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |