Legal news for Maryland wrongful death attorneys – Frederick County jail agrees to pay $50,000 to family of inmate who hung himself, awaiting judge approval.
Lawsuit claiming negligence on a Maryland jail’s behalf has been settled out of court.
Frederick County, MD (www.NewYorkInjuryNews.com) – The family of a man who hanged himself while under the watch of guards at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center has agreed to accept a $50,000 settlement, as reported by www.fredericknewspost.com. The settlement will be finalized at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, April 1, 2010.
Justin Lihvarcik, then 26, had been placed in a holding cell at approximately 2:30 a.m., June 10, 2009, after being charged with second-degree assault as a result of a fight with his girlfriend, according to Frederick County police. At approximately 5:30 a.m., officers found the man had fashioned a noose from his shoelaces and hung himself from the top bunk of his cell.
Sheriff’s office policy requires officers to check inmates in holding cells every 20 minutes.
Two correctional officers were disciplined and policy changes were made concerning inmates’ shoes. Laces are no longer allowed in holding cells.
The lawyer representing the sheriff’s office said the settlement is the result of what the office calls “a friendly suit, a technique used to resolve cases when a minor is involved.”
Lihvarchik is survived by his son, now three years old, and his parents. His mother, Nancy Fether, was granted sole legal and physical custody of her grandson.
Legal News Reporter: Tara Monks – Legal news for Maryland wrongful death attorneys.