Family Of NJ Man Restrained On Way To Ambulance Gets $875K
MILLVILLE, N.J. (AP) — The family of a southern New Jersey man who died of asphyxiation after emergency responders restrained him has won an $875,000 settlement.
The lawsuit states that Michael Anthony Burris, of Millville, initially refused medical attention after falling and hitting his head on his porch. Relatives say authorities used handcuffs and straps on the 27-year-old Burris before placing him face down on a stretcher.
By the time Burris reached the ambulance, he was dead. An autopsy cited positional asphyxiation as the cause of death. No criminal charges were filed.
Burris' widow and children originally sought $25 million in damages, but settled on March 10 in lieu of a trial. The lawsuit named the city, police department, rescue squad and a Gloucester County hospital as defendants.
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