Jail Inmate Jumped from Moving Van; Sues Pierce County for Negligence

A man who was being transported from a jail in Rugby to Bismarck in 2013 has filed a federal lawsuit over injuries he suffered when he jumped out of the van on the highway.

Larry Desjarlais is alleging negligence and civil rights violations.

He was in a coma for five days after the jump and says he suffered a traumatic brain injury.

The suit names Pierce County and seven individuals as defendants.

It seeks medical expenses and unspecified punitive damages.