Arkansas County Settles $6M Lawsuit Over Inmate's Death from Neglect

A $6 million settlement has been reached in a case involving the death of an inmate in Sebastian County, Arkansas. The county and Turn Key Health Clinics LLC have each agreed to pay $3 million to the family of Larry Eugene Price Jr., who died in 2021 while in custody.

Price, 51, passed away from dehydration and malnutrition after being held for over a year awaiting trial on a terroristic threatening charge. The lawsuit, filed by Price's family in 2023, alleged that the jail and healthcare provider neglected Price's needs, leading to his dramatic weight loss from 185 pounds (83.91 kg) to 90 pounds (40.82 kg).

The case highlights significant issues in the criminal justice system, particularly regarding the treatment of individuals with mental health conditions. Price, who had a history of serious mental illness, was reportedly held in solitary confinement during his time at the county facility. This practice has been widely criticized by mental health experts due to its potential to exacerbate existing mental health issues.

According to the lawsuit, jail staff discontinued Price's mental health medications after he refused to take them, and failed to follow up on his mental health needs. This neglect occurred despite the fact that jails are legally required to provide adequate medical care to inmates, as mandated by the Eighth Amendment to the US Constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

Turn Key Health Clinics LLC stated that at the time of Price's death, they provided medical care and eight hours of psychiatric services per week, but not counseling or acute mental health counseling services. The company has since expanded its services to include all medical, mental health counseling, and psychiatric services at Sebastian County Detention Center.

"The size of this settlement reflects the magnitude of the atrocity that occurred. We were honored to represent Mr. Price's family in their pursuit of justice, and we hope that this historic result sends a powerful message to every single jail and prison in America that this type of blatant disregard for human life will not be tolerated."

Rodney Price, Larry Price's brother, expressed hope that the case and settlement would lead to changes in the criminal justice system. He stated, "While no amount of money could bring my brother back, this victory will help give our family some closure as we move forward. And we hope and pray that it will lead to changes in how our jails treat people in their custody and will save lives in the future."

This settlement serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by correctional facilities in providing adequate care for inmates, particularly those with mental health issues. It underscores the need for comprehensive mental health services, proper training for staff, and robust oversight mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.