Anoka County Settles Inmate Medical Neglect Case for $2.55M

Anoka County Settles Inmate Medical Neglect Case for $2.55M

Introduction

Anoka County has agreed to a $2.75 million settlement in a lawsuit alleging it denied proper medical treatment to an inmate in 2022. Under the agreement, the county will pay $2.55 million to the plaintiff, while the remaining amount will be covered by MEnD Correctional Care’s bond company and the insurer of a nurse involved in the case.

Allegations of Medical Neglect

The lawsuit claimed that after being booked into the Anoka County jail on February 5, 2022, the plaintiff, who had a valid prescription for Suboxone, was denied his medication for opioid withdrawal. As a result, he experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, including uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhea.

Serious Health Consequences

On February 12, the plaintiff was found in his cell covered in vomit after an apparent fall. He was transported to a hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a fractured skull, brain bleeds, and acute kidney failure.

Plaintiff Moving Forward

The plaintiff’s attorney stated that he is no longer incarcerated and is focused on rebuilding his life. “He’s working, has a second child on the way, and a fiancé. This settlement will help him move forward,” the attorney said.

County’s Response

Anoka County expressed relief in reaching a resolution and noted that it no longer contracts with MEnD Correctional Care, the medical provider responsible for inmate healthcare at the time of the incident.