In a landmark victory for civil rights, Moss & Colella has secured one of the largest settlements in Wayne County's history. The $7 million settlement, awarded for the heinous murder of an inmate inside the Wayne County Jail, stands as a powerful testament to the firm’s unwavering commitment to justice. This historic win not only holds the responsible parties accountable but also underscores the firm’s dedication to protecting the rights of those who are most vulnerable, even behind bars.

The case centers around Thomas Carr, a 53-year-old inmate who entered the Wayne County Jail last July to serve a sentence for a DUI. Just 24 hours after his arrival, Carr was tragically beaten to death by his cellmate, Claude Lewis, in an attack that jail officials suggest may have lasted for hours. The brutality of the assault, coupled with the fact that it occurred so soon after Carr’s detention, raised immediate concerns about the conditions within the facility.

About the Case

Further investigation uncovered systemic failures that contributed to the deadly incident. Claude Lewis, who had been booked on a domestic violence charge, had a troubling history with eight prior convictions. Alarmingly, there was a documented warning that Lewis posed a threat and “ may harm self or others. ” Despite these red flags, Lewis was placed in a general population cell instead of being transferred to the county’s mental health floor, where he would have been housed in his own cell and monitored more closely.

Sheriff Raphael Washington placed the blame for Thomas Carr’s murder on the failures of a single jail deputy, who was notably absent from his assigned post during the brutal attack. ‍

The sheriff’s remarks painted the deputy’s negligence as a critical factor in the events that led to Carr’s death.

However, some county officials believe the issue runs deeper than one individual's mistake. Commissioner Glenn Anderson, who voted in favor of the $7 million settlement, expressed his concern about systemic issues within the facility. ‍

Detroit’s Top Civil Rights Attorneys

Moss & Colella played a pivotal role in securing justice for the family of Thomas Carr, fighting to hold Wayne County accountable for the devastating failures that led to his death. Vince Colella, the lead attorney on the case, described the tragedy in stark terms:

The firm's relentless pursuit of justice resulted in a historic $7 million settlement, the largest negligence payout Wayne County has seen among more than 200 settlements since 2010.

Moss & Colella’s commitment to serving their clients extends far beyond the courtroom. With a deep dedication to civil rights and a track record of success, the firm continues to stand as a beacon of hope for families seeking justice. Moss & Colella offers free consultations, ensuring that everyone has access to the representation they deserve.