Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Gregory Fox, 36, had a history of depression. While a detainee in the Cuyahoga County Jail, he experienced mental health issues and began crying, pacing, and begging for assistance. Fox allegedly was eventually administered medication; however, he hanged himself in his cell the next day. He is survived by his parents and siblings.

Fox’s estate sued the county, alleging it failed to provide mental health services and properly supervise Fox. The plaintiff asserted that the defendant had failed to screen Fox for his risk of suicide when he was booked into the facility and should have placed him on suicide watch in light of his condition and his documented mental health history.

The parties settled for $950,000.

Citation: Fox v. Cuyahoga Cty., No. 1:19-cv-02873-JG (N.D. Ohio Sept. 16, 2020).

Plaintiff counsel: Terry Gilbert and Sarah Gelsomino, both of Cleveland.

Plaintiff experts: Homer Venters, prison medicine, New York City; and Jeffrey Schwartz, prison standards, Campbell, Calif.