Inadequate Medical Or Mental Health Care

Erik Aguilar was a New Bedford man who died in the custody of the New Bedford police on July 22, 2010. The entire incident was recorded on surveillance video. A convenience store employee called the police seeking help for Mr. Aguilar. New Bedford police officer Paul Hodson arrived at the store, spoke with Mr. Aguilar, then tried to handcuff him. Officer Hodson then took Mr. Aguilar to the ground, sprayed him with pepper spray, handcuffed him with his hands behind his back, left him lying face down on the pavement, and applied pressure to his back. Mr.

Jail deputies assaulted deceased causing bi-lateral jaw fracture. Plaintiff died 7 days later of cardiac arrest. Expert could not relate death to the assault.

On 7/21/03, Kelly Jo Griffen, 24 year old mother of two, was to be held at MCI Framingham for one night before going to court in the morning. Ms. Griffen was experiencing the effects of heroin withdrawal. Medical staff knew that Ms. Griffen was not keeping fluids in her system, but failed to take steps to rehydrate her. Two hours before she became comatose, Ms. Griffen’s vital signs showed that she was in grave danger. Defendant Grodski was unable to obtain a blood pressure reading or a pulse.

Sidney Gurley, 46 African American inmate at Gus Harrison, died of peritonitis from an undiagnosed appendicitis. Sidney reported, on multiple ocassions, abdominal events. Kited, but not seen by healthcare until day before his death. Even then, he was misdiagnosed as suffering urinary tract infection. Officers ignored obvious signs of illness and other inmates complaints on behalf of Sidney. Of course, officers reported during rounds they checked for breathing and signs of life, even up to the point of rigors. Also settled for confidential amount with attending physician assistant.

The Settlement Agreement covering the Baltimore City Detention Center was negotiated long after a previous Consent Decree had been entered and administratively closed. The settlement is comprehensive as to medical and mental health care, with some general physical plant provisions. The fees may also cover up to $100,000 in fees for formal post-settlement enforcement activities. Previous phases of the case prior to the old Consent Decree go as far back as 1965.

Jail deputies assaulted deceased causing bi-lateral jaw fracture. Plaintiff died 7 days later of cardiac arrest. Expert could not relate death to the assault.