Key Takeaways
- Armor Correctional Health Services has faced hundreds of lawsuits alleging medical malpractice, wrongful deaths, and civil rights violations, resulting in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.
- Financial instability and bankruptcy have followed Armor’s legal troubles, with the company unable to pay judgments and debts, leading to asset liquidation.
- The lawsuits against Armor highlight systemic concerns about the privatization of correctional healthcare and the challenges of ensuring adequate inmate medical care.
Overview of Armor Correctional Health Services Lawsuits
Armor Correctional Health Services, a private company providing medical care in jails and prisons, has been the subject of extensive litigation across the United States. The company’s legal challenges span allegations of medical malpractice, wrongful death, civil rights violations, and employment law disputes. These lawsuits have resulted in significant financial judgments, settlements, and have raised broader questions about the privatization of correctional healthcare.
Background on Armor Correctional Health Services
Armor Correctional Health Services was founded to provide medical and mental health services to incarcerated individuals in county jails and state prisons. The company has operated in several states, including Florida, New York, and Wisconsin. Over the years, Armor has been contracted by local governments to deliver healthcare services to inmates, often as a cost-saving measure compared to public provision.
However, the company’s operations have been marred by repeated allegations of inadequate care, delayed treatment, and systemic failures. These issues have led to a pattern of litigation and public scrutiny.
Major Lawsuits and Verdicts
$16 Million Medical Malpractice Verdict in Florida
One of the most significant legal actions against Armor occurred in Florida, where a jury awarded $16 million in a medical malpractice case. The lawsuit stemmed from the death of an inmate who did not receive timely and adequate medical care while under Armor’s supervision. The jury found Armor liable for failing to provide necessary treatment, leading to the inmate’s death. This case is part of a broader trend of high-value verdicts against the company (source).
Pattern of Federal Litigation
Armor has faced approximately 570 federal lawsuits, according to court records. These lawsuits include claims of medical negligence, wrongful death, and civil rights violations. The scope and frequency of these cases underscore persistent concerns about the quality of care provided by Armor in correctional settings (source).
OBREMSKI v. ARMOR CORRECTIONAL HEALTH SERVICES INC
In the case of OBREMSKI v. ARMOR CORRECTIONAL HEALTH SERVICES INC, the widow of a deceased inmate sued nearly every medical professional involved in her husband’s care. The lawsuit alleged gross negligence and failure to provide adequate medical attention, resulting in the inmate’s death. This case highlights the extensive legal exposure faced by Armor and its staff (source).
People of the State of New York v. Armor Correctional Health
In New York, the state brought a lawsuit against Armor seeking damages and a permanent injunction to prevent the company from bidding on future contracts. The case alleged systemic failures in providing constitutionally adequate medical care to inmates. The state’s action reflects a growing trend of government entities seeking to hold private correctional healthcare providers accountable (source).
Milwaukee County Judgment
Milwaukee County was ordered to pay a $1.05 million judgment after Armor denied medication to a mentally ill detainee. The court found that Armor’s actions constituted deliberate indifference to the detainee’s medical needs, a violation of the Eighth Amendment (source).
Nassau County Settlement
In Nassau County, New York, Armor agreed to a $350,000 settlement related to allegations of inadequate medical care at the county jail. This settlement is one of several that Armor has reached to resolve claims of negligence and wrongful death (source).
COVID-19 Outbreak Lawsuit in Duval County
A federal judge found Armor liable for a COVID-19 outbreak at the Duval County jail, which affected 197 inmates and staff. The court awarded $6.3 million in damages, finding that Armor failed to implement adequate infection control measures. This case highlights the unique challenges correctional healthcare providers faced during the pandemic and the legal risks associated with failing to protect inmates (source).
Financial Implications and Bankruptcy
Inability to Pay Judgments and Debts
Armor’s legal troubles have had severe financial consequences. The company has reported an inability to pay millions of dollars in judgments and debts, leading to bankruptcy proceedings and asset liquidation. For example, in Duval County, Armor stated it could not pay millions owed to creditors and plaintiffs (source).
Asset Liquidation
As a result of mounting legal liabilities, Armor has begun liquidating its assets. Reports indicate that assets have been transferred to the company’s founder, raising questions about the company’s future and its ability to meet ongoing legal obligations (source).
Broader Legal and Policy Issues
Civil Rights and Section 1983 Claims
Many lawsuits against Armor are brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which allows individuals to sue for civil rights violations by government actors or their agents. In cases like Edwards v. Armor Corr. Health Serv., plaintiffs alleged that Armor’s denial of medical care constituted cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment (source).
Ongoing Litigation
Some cases, such as JACKSON v. ARMOR CORRECTIONAL HEALTH SERVICES INC, involve complex allegations of civil rights violations and have survived multiple motions to dismiss. The persistence of these lawsuits demonstrates the ongoing legal risks faced by private correctional healthcare providers (source; source).
Criticism of Privatized Correctional Healthcare
The lawsuits against Armor have fueled criticism of the privatization of correctional healthcare. Advocates argue that cost-cutting measures by private providers can lead to inadequate care, preventable deaths, and increased liability for local governments. These concerns have prompted some jurisdictions to reconsider their contracts with private providers, while others continue to contract with companies like Armor despite their legal histories (source; source).
Conclusion
Armor Correctional Health Services’ extensive legal history illustrates the risks and challenges associated with privatized correctional healthcare. The company’s involvement in hundreds of lawsuits, multi-million dollar verdicts, and settlements has led to financial instability and bankruptcy. These legal battles have also brought attention to systemic issues in the delivery of medical care to incarcerated individuals and the accountability of private providers.
For attorneys and researchers seeking in-depth legal analysis, Counsel Stack offers comprehensive resources and up-to-date information on correctional healthcare litigation and related topics.
Disclaimer: This guide provides a general overview of the legal issues surrounding Armor Correctional Health Services. Some cases discussed are ongoing, and the information is based on current allegations and public records. Legal outcomes may change as cases progress. For specific legal advice or detailed research, consult a qualified attorney or visit official court sources.
