$500,000 Settlement for Law Enforcement Negligence / Slip & Fall
- Date: Fall 2010
- Attorney: Kenneth W. Elwood
- Settlement: $500,000
- Practice Areas: Slip & Fall, Law Enforcement Negligence, Premises Liability
Kenneth Elwood represented a 52-year-old man who was in custody of law enforcement as a result of a domestic violence incident with his spouse. He was a recent kidney transplant recipient and was taken to a local hospital for a monitoring check-up. Following his exam it was reported to the corrections officer in charge of his transportation and safety that he was experiencing lower leg weakness and fatigue. Despite this, he was kept in leg irons, handcuffs, and restraints and taken down a stairway without any control or assistance from the officers. His legs gave out and he fell; unable to use his handcuffed hands to protect himself or otherwise break his fall, landing on his head. He suffered severe head injuries and died 6 months later.