A recent federal lawsuit claims that local officials and emergency responders failed to provide necessary medical care to a woman experiencing a serious health crisis, allegedly worsening her condition and violating her constitutional rights. The complaint was filed by Zola Dudzic on March 20, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against the City of Woodhaven, as well as Antoniette Hawkins, Kevin Griswold, and Jake Gonzalez in both their individual and official capacities.
According to the filing prepared by Romano Law PLLC, the incident occurred on January 9, 2024. Dudzic alleges she was involved in a minor car accident in Woodhaven due to a medical emergency. When police arrived at the scene, Officer Prokes arrested her on suspicion of driving under the influence despite being informed by her husband that she had suffered a stroke in 2020 and was currently experiencing another medical episode. The complaint states that Officer Baker assisted with booking Dudzic but also disregarded signs of her medical distress.
The suit reports that after being taken into custody, the Woodhaven Fire Department was called to check on Dudzic at the police station. However, instead of providing immediate care, defendants Hawkins, Griswold, and Gonzalez allegedly accused her of drug use. It was only after Dudzic suffered a seizure while in custody that she received medical attention. The document asserts: “Defendants all ignored” clear signs of distress until she was “in full seizure.” Video evidence is referenced as showing defendants “deliberately with reckless disregard” ignoring obvious symptoms before rendering aid.
Dudzic was then transported unconscious to Beaumont Hospital where she remained for two days. A follow-up examination by Dr. Daniel P. Singer from the Michigan Institute of Neurological Disorders concluded that Dudzic had poststroke epilepsy and stated: “Had she been brought to the hospital directly from the scene of the accident, the need for intubation with ICU stay would most likely have been avoided.” The complaint alleges this delay exacerbated both physical injuries and pre-existing psychological conditions.
The legal action cites violations under several federal statutes including 42 U.S.C. Sections 1981, 1983, and 1985 for deprivation of civil rights under color of law. Specifically mentioned are claims related to unreasonable search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment as applied through the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause. The suit also raises state law claims such as intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Further allegations include failure by city officials to properly train or supervise employees regarding arrests and providing adequate medical treatment during emergencies. According to court documents: “Defendant City of Woodhaven’s lack of training…was the motivating factor driving the violation of Plaintiff’s civil rights.” The plaintiff argues these customs or policies resulted in repeated violations against citizens’ constitutional protections.
In addition to seeking compensatory damages exceeding $75,000 exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney fees for physical injuries, emotional suffering, cognitive decline, humiliation, economic loss, and other harms discovered throughout litigation; punitive damages are also requested against individual defendants for what is described as deliberate indifference or reckless disregard for safety.
The complaint requests judgment against all named parties—both individually and officially—and references video evidence purportedly showing Dudzic’s deteriorating condition while detained without appropriate intervention.
Legal representation for Zola Dudzic is provided by Daniel G. Romano (P49117) at Romano Law PLLC based in Bingham Farms, Michigan. The case is identified as Case No. 2:26-cv-10940-BRM-APP.
Source: 226cv10940_Zola_Dudzic_v_City_of_Woodhaven_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan.pdf
