Santa Rita Jail medical provider pays 2.5M to family of man who lay dead in cell for days

Wellpath, the medical provider for Alameda County’s Santa Rita Jail, settled a federal civil rights lawsuit for $2. 5 million after the family of inmate Maurice Monk alleged negligence in his care. Monk was found dead in his cell in November 2021, having suffered for days without proper medical attention, despite being treated for diabetes and schizophrenia. Family attorney Ty Clarke stated that the settlement provides some justice for Monk’s children, highlighting the responsibility of medical professionals to uphold their duties. This settlement comes after an earlier $7 million agreement in 2023 that required improvements in inmate observation protocols.

Criminal charges have also been filed against multiple Alameda County sheriff's deputies and jail staff, all of whom have pleaded not guilty. The county is considering a competitive bidding process for the jail’s medical care contract, which is set to expire in 2027, to explore options beyond Wellpath. This case underscores significant issues regarding inmate health care and accountability within the correctional system. The outcome of these legal proceedings could influence future policies on medical care for incarcerated individuals.