The estate of Allen County inmate James Shaffer has sued several defendants for wrongful death after his suicide. Attorney Stephen Wagner of Wagner Reese, an Indiana personal injury law firm, has filed the wrongful death case on behalf of Shaffer’s surviving family members. The defendants in the suit include the Allen County Board of Commissioners, Sheriff Troy Hershberger, and several confinement officers.
James Shaffer used an in-cell telephone cord to hang himself on January 2, 2024, even though he was on a Quality Correctional Care Level 2 suicide watch. On January 8, 2024, he died from asphyxia caused by hanging. His death was ruled a suicide by the coroner. The suit alleges that the negligence of various individuals led to the wrongful death of James Shaffer, who was 33 at the time of his death.
According to the lawsuit filed by Attorney Stephen Wagner, James Shaffer was supposed to be held in a stripped cell so that there were no implements that he could use to hurt himself. The staff was supposed to check on him every 30 minutes, but they did not do so. Officers were also supposed to monitor the surveillance footage of his prison cell, but they did not do so. The result of all this negligence was that James Shaffer asphyxiated himself by wrapping a metal wire phone cord around his neck. The incident took place on camera, and before it happened, the suit alleges that James Shaffer showed signs of deteriorating mental health and that he called for help.
A wrongful death is when someone dies due to the negligent actions of another party. Attorney Stephen Wagner said the following about the case: “Everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves to be treated humanely. James Shaffer should have been more closely monitored, especially since he was on suicide watch and displayed signs of mental distress. Had the staff been more responsible, it is likely that he would still be alive. The law firm of Wagner Reese is dedicated to pursuing justice for everyone, no matter who they are.”
About Wagner Reese
Wagner Reese is a personal injury law firm dedicated to pursuing justice for anyone who has been a victim of negligence. The firm’s attorneys have earned several accolades, such as being named among the “Best Lawyers in America.”
Attorney Stephen Wagner was named 2006 Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. He and fellow founding partner, Attorney Jason Reese, were included in the list of Indiana’s Top 25 Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers’ Honorees.
In addition to all of their numerous accolades, Wagner Reese also boasts an impressive track record of successful cases and many positive client reviews. Their experience in wrongful death, catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and other personal injury cases puts them at the forefront of personal injury law firms in Indiana. Wagner Reese offers free consultations to anyone who believes to be a victim of negligence.
