Ramsey County to Pay $3.6M Over Inmate Deaths

Ramsey County to Pay $3.6M Over Inmate Deaths

Introduction

Ramsey County has agreed to a $3.6 million settlement following a federal civil rights and disability discrimination lawsuit related to the death of a man who experienced a medical emergency while in custody at the Ramsey County Jail in August 2022.

Medical Emergency and Delayed Treatment

According to the lawsuit, the victim was discovered unresponsive in his jail cell on the day he was scheduled to be released. He was transported to the hospital but never regained consciousness and died on August 27, 2022.

Visible Injuries and Known Medical Condition

During the booking process, the man showed clear signs of physical trauma, including a forehead laceration and extensive bruising. Attorneys stated that jail staff were informed of his hemophilia—a serious bleeding disorder that requires clotting medication if injuries occur.

Neglect Over Three Days of Incarceration

Despite knowledge of his condition, the man reportedly did not receive necessary medical care. While held for three days on a petty drug possession charge—after police were called when he was found sleeping on his mother’s porch—he suffered a brain bleed. The lawsuit claims he showed obvious neurological symptoms for about 30 hours, which were ignored by corrections staff.

Death and Legal Consequences

Ultimately, the man was found unresponsive in his cell. His death and the alleged lack of medical attention led to the federal lawsuit and the recent multimillion-dollar settlement.