Trial News
Verdicts & Settlements: Civil Rights
Failure to provide appropriate care to diabetic inmate
October 3, 2019Octavius Caldwell, 29, suffered from Type 1 diabetes. After arresting Caldwell, sheriff’s deputies noted that he was disoriented and delusional. They transferred Caldwell to Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, where he received treatment for two days before being transferred back to Men’s Central Jail for processing. The following day, deputies found Caldwell dead in his cell. He is survived by his parents.
Caldwell’s parents, individually and on his behalf, sued Los Angeles County for his wrongful death, alleging medical malpractice, negligence, and violation of 42 U.S.C. §1983. The plaintiffs asserted that Caldwell had died of diabetic ketoacidosis and that the defendant should have treated Caldwell for his diabetic crisis, including providing close monitoring while he was at the jail. Suit did not claim lost income.
The parties settled for $250,000.
Citation: Caldwell v. Cnty. of L.A., No. BC712944 (Cal. Super. Ct. Los Angeles Mar. 19, 2019).
Plaintiff counsel: Marc Geragos, Marcus Petoyan, Mallory Whitelaw, and Dev Das, all of Los Angeles.
