In December 2022, a lawsuit was brought against a Michigan psychiatric hospital for children after an unannounced active shooter drill caused panic among both the young patients and staff. The drill, which involved a false announcement over the speaker system that armed men were inside the Hawthorn Center and shots had been fired, led to a chaotic situation where people were scrambling for cover, texting family, and urgently calling 911. The intense fear and distress caused by the drill prompted a judge to approve a $13 million settlement to be distributed among the affected parties.
Attorney Robin Wagner described the event as horrifying, with everyone at the hospital believing it was a real active shooter situation. People hid under desks, barricaded doors, and tried to protect the children in their care. A total of 140 individuals, including 50 children and 90 staff members, will be compensated as part of the settlement. Each child will receive approximately $60,000, while staff members will receive varying amounts based on their trauma exam scores. The state recognized the harm caused by the drill and agreed to compensate those affected accordingly.
The drill at Hawthorn Center also caused confusion among law enforcement, as police officers responding to 911 calls were not aware of the planned exercise. Officers arrived at the scene with body armor and high-powered weapons, prepared for a real emergency situation. Two individuals who were instructed to pose as shooters were apprehended, although they were not armed. The lack of coordination and communication surrounding the drill further exacerbated the fear and trauma experienced by those at the hospital.
The $13 million settlement was approved by Court of Claims Judge James Redford, with over $3 million allocated to attorneys involved in the case. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the Hawthorn Center, chose to settle the matter in the best interest of all parties. Department spokesperson Lynn Sutfin expressed regret over the negative impact of the drill on patients, staff, and the community. The settlement serves as a form of acknowledgment of the harm caused and aims to provide some level of compensation and closure for those affected by the traumatic event.
In conclusion, the $13 million settlement in the lawsuit over the active shooter drill at Hawthorn Center reflects the seriousness of the incident and the resulting fear and trauma experienced by children and staff. The false announcement of armed men inside the facility led to a chaotic and distressing situation, with individuals believing they were in imminent danger. The settlement, which includes compensation for affected individuals and acknowledgment of the harm caused, aims to provide some measure of justice and closure for those impacted by the drill. The lack of communication and coordination surrounding the exercise highlights the importance of proper planning and execution when conducting emergency drills to avoid unnecessary fear and distress.
