We represented the family of a female detainee for various claims against the Waseca County Jail.  The female detainee was taken into custody following a probation violation whereupon she was taken to the jail.  She was placed in a “holding room” and simply held there until she could be transferred to a female facility.  She was not booked, screened or evaluated by jail staff or jail medical staff at any time, nor did they take her shoe laces. 

Unfortantely, as she waited, albeit unsupervised, she hung herself with her shoe laces.  Paramedics were called and life saving measures were taken but they were unable to revive her and she passed away.  The jail staff failed to adhere to jail policy and Department of Corrections Rules governing the supervision and well-checks of inmates/detainees. 

Jeff Montpetit filed a wrongful death claim against the county and was awarded/settled the case for $425,000.