February 7, 2025 | Press Release

Partner Frank Younes of High & Younes, a distinguished law firm known for its commitment to integrity, effective communication, and aggressive representation, successfully secured an $800,000 settlement for the family of Danielle Harbison, an Illinois woman who tragically died of alcohol poisoning while in the custody of the Sarpy County Jail. This resolution comes after more than four years of rigorous litigation.

The Sarpy County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the settlement less than one month prior to the scheduled trial. The settlement will be distributed to Harbison’s two young children. This outcome marks a significant step towards justice for the Harbison family, who have been steadfast in their pursuit of accountability.

Danielle Harbison was arrested on June 23, 2018, after being found unconscious behind the wheel of her truck with a blood-alcohol content of 0.34, significantly above the legal limit. Despite showing severe signs of impairment, she was taken to jail instead of receiving necessary medical attention. The jail staff’s failure to provide providing the required medical evaluation and treatment to Danielle ultimately resulted in her untimely death.

Throughout the night, corrections officers observed Harbison in distress but did not seek medical assistance. This negligence was highlighted in court documents, which revealed multiple officers making inappropriate remarks and jokes at her condition. The incident prompted Sarpy County to revise its procedures, now requiring medical clearance for individuals with a BAC above 0.20 before jail admission.

‘The family is very pleased with the outcome.” said Frank Younes, who represented Harbison’s estate. “We were prepared to go forward with trial, and ultimately we were able to reach a resolution that makes them feel like the fight was worth it to get justice for Danielle.”

This settlement underscores High & Younes’s dedication to achieving the best results for their clients through smart work and effective communication, reinforcing their esteemed reputation in the legal community.

High & Younes LLC Secures $800,000 Settlement