The family of the woman who committed suicide in a Texas jail cell last year after she was busted for a minor traffic violation has settled their wrongful death suit with the state for $1.9 million.
Not only will Sandra Bland’s family receive compensation for her death, but the settlement agreement specified that new jail procedures will be put in place in Waller County, Texas, where the incident occurred.
Some of the procedural changes included the use of automated electronic sensors for timely cell checks and assigning a staff nurse or emergency medical technician for all shifts.
The details of the settlement were hammered out Wednesday night, Bland family attorney Cannon Lambert told CNN.
“The Waller County judge will be seeking passage of state legislation for more funding for local jails regarding intake and booking, screening and other jail support,” Lambert told CNN.
In July 2015, Bland hanged herself in a jail cell three days after she was busted for failing to use her turn signal in Waller County.
Her death sparked national outrage, with protesters arguing that the police should never have arrested her for such a petty offense.
The state trooper who cuffed her, Brian Encinia, was subsequently terminated from the department after he was indicted on perjury charges.