Opinion
File No. 57161
An action against a jailer to recover damages for the wrongful death of a prisoner, the prisoner having negligently been permitted to inflict fatal injuries upon himself, presumably brought under section 5987 of the General Statutes, Revision of 1930, was barred where it was not brought within one year from the neglect complained of. An action against a jailer, brought pursuant to section 2019 of the General Statutes, Revision of 1930, to recover damages for wrong or injury to a prisoner, does not survive the death of the prisoner (Gen. Stat. [1930] § 6030). It seems, that actions under said section 2019 of the General Statutes, Revision of 1930, are limited by section 6014 of the General Statutes, Revision of 1930. The complaint, which alleges that the defendant's negligence caused the death on a day more than one year before the commencement of the action, was properly attacked by demurrer.
MEMORANDUM FILED SEPTEMBER 19, 1939.
John Henry Sheehan, of New Haven, for the Plaintiff.
FitzGerald, Foote FitzGerald, of New Haven, for the Defendant.
Memorandum on demurrer in action against sheriff to recover damages for wrongful death of prisoner.
Under the admissions of the demurrer it appears that the plaintiff's decedent was committed to the county jail in the custody of the defendant sheriff; that while there he was mentally ill and unable to take care of himself as was known, or should have been known to the defendant; and that notwithstanding this he was placed in a cell without attendance, set fire to his mattress on February 12, 1937, and received burns as a result of which he died February 14, 1937. Further, that his injuries and death were caused by lack of proper attention and inspection, allowing the decedent to have matches, and failure to furnish adequate medical attention.
The defendant demurs upon the ground that the action is a death action which must be and is brought under the death statute (Gen. Stat. [1930] § 5987) and that the action was not brought within the limitation of one year fixed by that statute.
In answer to this the plaintiff argues that the action is brought under section 2019 of the General Statutes, Revision of 1930, which provides that: "If any jailer shall do any wrong or injury to a prisoner in his custody, he shall pay treble damages to him ...." and be subject to fine; and that no limitation is fixed by this statute as to time of commencing suit.
Section 2019 of the General Statutes, Revision of 1930, is patently a penal statute. In addition to punitive damages it fixes a criminal penalty for its violation, and hence suit on it is barred by the last clause of section 6030 of the General Statute, Revision of 1930.
Incidentally, a suit on it is limited by section 6014 of the General Statutes, Revision of 1930, as to time of commencement.
Presumably, then, as the defense argues, the action comes under section 5987, for it is based upon injuries arising out of alleged wrongful or negligent conduct of the defendant resulting in death, and "falls within § 5987." Porpora vs. New Haven, 122 Conn. 80.
That a demurrer is a proper method of attack in such a case seems established by Radezky vs. Sargent Co., 77 Conn. 110.