$2.2 Million Settlement Reached After Transgender Inmate Hangs Herself

Following the death of a transgender inmate, a family has been awarded one of the largest wrongful death settlements in the history of Georgia’s prison system. The $2.2 million civil settlement was granted to the family of a woman who had a history of mental illness and hung herself while in solitary confinement four years ago. The victim’s mother feels her daughter was neglected because she was transgender, and is calling for a criminal investigation of the incident.  “The financial settlement is barely nudging any kind of justice,” she said.

The settlement was announced a few months after the U.S. Justice Department Civil Rights Division launched an investigation into alleged abuses within the state’s prison system. The investigation finally commenced after many years of complaints from inmate family members, Georgia residents, and civil rights groups, describing the “inhumane conditions” within the prison system.

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If you or a loved one suffered harm while in jail due to violations of your rights, reach out to a Grant & Eisenhofer civil rights lawyer to determine whether you can file a lawsuit. Grant & Eisenhofer’s civil rights attorneys can help investigate your claim and may be able to help you seek compensation for your damages. Call (855) 244-2031 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation.