Van Buren County Jail Sued by Injured Inmate

by | Sep 1, 2017 | Personal Injury | 0 comments

August 29, 2017 — Brutal surveillance video footage from within the Van Buren County Jail in Paw Paw, Michigan reveal that staff disregarded an inmate’s epilepsy and accompanying medical instructions when they assigned him to a top bunk.

In the video, you can clearly distinguish the inmate — Ron McKie — falling from a top bunk in his jail cell and hitting his head. McKie suffered horrible injuries after suffering a seizure that caused him to plummet. He endured a broken nose, cracked eye socket, a broken shoulder, and head injury just three days after being reassigned to a top bunk. McKie complained to staff that he needed a bottom bunk due to his medical condition, but staff ignored his request.

McKie sought the legal counsel of attorney Christopher Trainor to sue the Van Buren County Jail for his pain and suffering. After receiving treatment for his physical injuries, he continued to suffer from headaches, memory problems, and blurred vision. The inmate’s poor condition could easily have been avoided had the staff adhered to the medical instructions they received.

Jail documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act show that staff at the jail signed specific instructions requiring McKie to be assigned to a bottom bunk. He began his sentence in a bottom bunk until October 9, 2015 when he was reassigned to the top bunk. After he complained about it, McKie recollects being told “Too bad. Deal with it.”

Ron McKie was initially jailed for a sentence of 180 days for a felony break-in. The lawsuit he is bringing forward with Christopher Trainor seeks $75,000 plus costs, attorney fees, and interests, to compensate his injuries and pain and suffering.

If you or someone you know has suffered at the hands of negligent jail staff, it’s important to seek legal representation. Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes, these mistakes lead to severe consequences. Inmates who are housed in a county jail or state prison have the right to be treated with dignity. Attorney Christopher Trainor and his staff focus on serious personal injury cases throughout Michigan and have extensive experience pursuing claims for police brutality and jail injuries. Contact Christopher Trainor & Associates at the Michigan Legal Center by calling 1-800-961-8477 or reach out to us online for a free personal injury consultation.

Portage, MI – Woman Killed in Pedestrian Crash on Willowcreek Rd

Portage, MI (December 3, 2023) - A 68-year-old woman has died after being struck by a vehicle in Portage, according to the Portage Police Department. At about 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, officers of the Portage Police Department responded to the area of Willowcreek Road...

Lansing, MI – Injury Vehicle Collision Shuts Down US 127 at Lake Lansing

Lansing, MI (December 3, 2023) - An incident on southbound U.S. Highway 127 was reported on Friday morning, December 1, and caused the entire roadway to be closed, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). At 8:15 a.m. on the southbound side of...

Detroit, MI – Multi-Vehicle Wreck w/Injuries on I-96 at Grand Blvd

Detroit, MI (December 3, 2023) - Detroit police say they are investigating the details surrounding a multi-vehicle crash that occurred on Sunday, December 3, according to the officers who responded to the scene. Though specific details about the crash have not been...

Detroit, MI – Rollover Collision Causes Injury at 10 Mile & Gratiot

Detroit, MI (December 3, 2023) - On Sunday, December 3, two vehicles collided on a local highway in Detroit, leading to victim injuries and a rollover of one of the cars involved, as reported by Michigan State Police troopers and local officers. According to a report...

Detroit, MI – I-75 Car Crash Injures Victims After M-8

Detroit, MI (December 3, 2023) - According to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), southbound I-75 after Michigan Highway 8 was blocked as a result of an accident on Sunday, December 3. At around 2:50 p.m. on Sunday, the Michigan Department of...

Detroit, MI – Car Accident, Injuries on M-10 Near I-94 Ramp

Detroit, MI (December 3, 2023) - Multiple drivers collided in a major vehicle crash in the Detroit region on Sunday, December 3, and the incident reportedly ended in injuries, per local authorities. At around 1:15 p.m., the suspected rear-end collision occurred on...

Detroit, MI – Injury-Causing Accident Closes I-94 at Little Mack

Detroit, MI (December 3, 2023) - An accident involving at least two vehicles blocked several lanes of a local freeway on Sunday afternoon, December 3, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation, resulting in a handful of victim injuries. At about 3:15...

Detroit, MI – Injuries Recorded in Vehicle Crash on I-94 at Mt Elliott

Detroit, MI (December 3, 2023) - After an accident on Sunday, December 3, a local Detroit roadway was partially closed. All right lanes of westbound I-94 after Mt. Elliott were closed due to the accident at roughly 10:45 a.m., according to troopers with the Michigan...

Roseville, MI – Officer Hurt in Accident on I-94 at 13 Mile Rd

Roseville, MI (December 3, 2023) - On Sunday afternoon at approximately 3:00 p.m., one driver was cited and an officer was hurt following a vehicle wreck, per local authorities who responded to the scene. The Roseville Police Department responded to westbound I-94 at...

Mundy Twp, MI – US 23 Site of Semi-Truck Wreck, Injuries at Maple Rd

Mundy Township, MI (December 3, 2023) - Traffic was backed up for miles on northbound U.S. 23 after a trailer slammed into the Maple Road bridge following a wreck in Mundy Township on Friday morning. The crash was reported around 10:30 a.m., and it led emergency crews...