Trial News

Janika Edmond, 25, was incarcerated for most of her life and had a documented history of suicidal ideation and attempts. While a prisoner at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, she became distraught and asked for a suicide prevention vest. Instead of providing the vest, a corrections officer went to get lunch, leaving Edmond unguarded for 20 minutes. She then hanged herself with her bra while in her observation cell. Edmond is survived by her two adult brothers.

Edmond’s estate sued the Michigan Department of Corrections, alleging violations of 42 U.S.C. §1983 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The plaintiff asserted that the defendant’s corrections officer should have notified a psychologist that Edmond was in emotional distress, should have provided her with a suicide prevention vest, and should not have left her alone without calling a relief person to provide coverage.

The parties settled for $860,000.

Citation: Clarke v. Mich. Dep’t of Corrections, No. 2:17-CV-10528-RHC-DRG (E.D. Mich. May 8, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: Cary S. McGehee, Royal Oak, Mich.; and David Steingold, Detroit.