A grieving mother, Claudine Michaud, is suing the Coroner’s Office for $85,000 after receiving her son’s belongings, including the extension cord he used to take his life. This traumatic discovery has left her with severe emotional distress, leading to reduced work hours and suicidal thoughts. The Coroner’s Office acknowledged the incident as an “unfortunate human error” and pledged to improve their procedures. Michaud’s legal claim aims to highlight the importance of sensitivity in handling personal effects of the deceased.
A Mother’s Heartbreak: Legal Action Against the Coroner’s Office
A devastated mother is seeking justice after the tragic loss of her 18-year-old son, who died by suicide. Claudine Michaud is filing a lawsuit against the Coroner’s Office, claiming “gross negligence” when she received a box of her son’s belongings that included the very extension cord he used to take his life. The emotional toll of this discovery has prompted her to pursue an $85,000 claim.
“No mother should ever have to confront the object used by her child to end their life,” Michaud stated in her lawsuit, highlighting the deep anguish she experienced upon receiving the package.
Shocking Revelations and Their Impact
The events leading to this lawsuit are harrowing. In April 2021, Zachary Lemay-Michaud tragically took his own life. Following this heartbreaking incident, a coroner, Amélie Lavigne, was assigned to investigate. In January 2022, Michaud was handed a box containing her son’s personal effects, which she opened just days later.
To her horror, she found the extension cord that had been used in his death. “It was a traumatizing event,” Michaud recounted. “When I saw the electrical plug and the knot, I could still visualize my son hanging from the doorknob. I screamed in disbelief; I couldn’t fathom that they sent me that.” This shocking revelation has left her grappling with severe emotional distress.
As a result of this trauma, Michaud was forced to rely on her son’s life insurance to support herself, having reduced her work hours to just three days a week. She now faces “severe functional difficulties,” struggling with daily tasks due to a lack of motivation and energy.
Apologies and Future Preventative Measures
The family is also counting on a report from the Citizen Protector, which was produced after they filed a complaint against the coroner. This report concluded that their complaint was valid, although it noted that the legal framework does not allow for financial compensation in such instances.
The Coroner’s Office has expressed its apologies to Michaud’s family, attributing the incident to an “unfortunate entirely unintentional human error.” They have committed to implementing measures to prevent similar situations in the future. Jake Lamotta Granato, the communications officer for the Coroner’s Office, emphasized their dedication to supporting families affected by grief with empathy and kindness.
Details of the Legal Claim
- Total claim of $85,000 against the Coroner’s Office
- $10,000 for “troubles and inconveniences suffered”
- $75,000 for loss of income
- Michaud’s transition back to her full-time job was abruptly derailed by the discovery of the cord, plunging her into a state of depression.
- Following the traumatic event, she has admitted to having suicidal thoughts herself.
This legal battle not only seeks financial compensation but also aims to raise awareness about the need for sensitivity and care in handling the personal effects of those who have tragically passed away.