On Friday, February 3, 2017, a Madison, Wisconsin-based federal jury awarded two Eckberg Lammers clients $11.5 million in damages after finding that Polk County and former jailer, Darryl L. Christensen, violated their U.S. Constitutional Rights when Christensen sexually assaulted them as inmates; a risk that Polk County was deliberately indifferent to when they knew of the risk of sexual assault and failed to take reasonable measures to prevent such assaults, such as additional training and supervision.

Tom Weidner, lead attorney for Eckberg Lammers stated, “We believed our clients had a very strong case. We certainly were pleased with the jury’s findings, but are frankly more grateful that our clients can now realize some sense of closure and focus on the healing process. We are very honored to have represented each of our clients in this matter.”

In arguing the case, Eckberg Lammers claimed constitutional violations by both Polk County and Christensen. The jury found the plaintiffs’ rights under the Eighth and Fourteenth amendments – dealing with cruel and unusual punishment, and due process of law – were violated by Christensen. It further found Polk County liable for negligent training, supervision and prevention of the sexual assaults.

Eckberg Lammers is proud of their trial team consisting of attorneys Tom Weidner and Lida Bannink, paralegal Jennifer Brodrick and everyone else at the firm that contributed to this case.

ABOUT ECKBERG LAMMERS, P.C.
Founded in 1949, Eckberg Lammers, P.C. is one of the most well-known law firms in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. With offices in Stillwater and Hudson, our attorneys serve clients throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin across a wide platform of individual, business and commercial, and municipal practice areas.

Contact: Dana Reynolds
dreynolds@eckberglammers.com
Phone: 651-439-2878 | Fax: 651-439-2923