Nearly $8M awarded to family of ex-Marine who hanged himself in jail
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. -- The family of a Marine combat veteran from New York who hanged himself in a county jail was awarded nearly $8 million.
Newsday reports the jury found the health care company at the Nassau County jail and the county negligent in Bartholomew Ryan’s 2012 death. It awarded $7 million in punitive damages and $890,000 in compensatory damages.
Ryan’s family contended the Iraq war veteran did not get proper care after an arrest on a charge of driving under the influence of drugs. The lawsuit said a screening at the jail showed he was a suicide risk.
An attorney for the health care provider argued the jury unfairly awarded damages twice for pain and suffering.
A county attorney said officials properly evaluated, housed and supervised Ryan.