Trial Magazine

Michael Robinson, a 33-year-old insulin-dependent diabetic, was arrested on child support charges and transported to the Pemiscot County Jail facility. Over the next day, deputies allegedly denied his requests for his diabetes medication and medical attention. Moreover, deputies allegedly placed him in solitary confinement. Robinson’s fiancée visited him and told a guard and a dispatcher that Robinson was extremely ill and in need of immediate medical attention. Jail staff allegedly failed to address her concerns. When she returned to the jail with the insulin, a deputy allegedly told her that he would not give it to Robinson.

Robinson subsequently became unable to walk. He was transferred to a hospital, and his glucose level was 2,500 mg/dL. He was initially placed on life support, but these measures were stopped when it was later determined that he had lost brain activity. Robinson is survived by his three minor children.

Robinson’s sister, on behalf of his estate and children, sued the county, its sheriff, and others, alleging wrongful denial of medical treatment in violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. The plaintiffs asserted that the defendants had specific knowledge of Robinson’s need for insulin based on court orders that he be released from previous detentions due to his severe diabetes. The plaintiff asserted that the defendants had a pattern and practice of denying medical treatment to detainees.

The parties settled for $850,000.

Citation: Wilson v. Pemiscot Cty., No. 1:18CV148 RLW (E.D. Mo. Apr. 9, 2020).

Plaintiff Counsel: John Wilbers, Clayton, Mo.; Benjamin L. Crump, Tallahassee, Fla.; Jose A. Baez, Miami; Olu K. Orange, Los Angeles; and Robert N. Haferd, Washington, D.C.