Countryman v. County of Winnebago

Margaret Countryman, executor of Richard Countryman’s estate, brought a wrongful death action against Winnebago County in connection with her husband’s death in the county’s jail due the county’s alleged negligence. The jury found for Margaret Countryman; found total damages amounted to $400,000; and reduced damages by 50% based upon Richard Countryman’s contributory negligence. The county has appealed, and Margaret Countryman has cross-appealed from the judgment.

The county raises issues concerning whether, in a wrongful death action where loss of consortium damages were recoverable, evidence…