In a federal lawsuit brought by a woman who claimed that jail guards at the Ramsey County jail used excessive force, a $3 million settlement has been struck.
The woman sued Ramsey County and numerous workers under the civil rights act. She said that on February 8, 2021, while she was shackled behind her back at the prison, correctional officials tackled her to the ground. An artery was cut, and her tibia was broken. She said that it took 17 hours before she was transported for medical care.
The woman's attorneys claimed that because of the delay, she developed severe compartment syndrome that put her limbs in danger and had a far worse medical outcome than she would have had she received prompt treatment. Regarding a settlement, Ramsey County contacted the plaintiff's legal representatives. The woman's limb is still in terrible condition, both physically and cosmetically, the attorney said. She was in danger of having her leg amputated since the cut on her leg couldn't be closed due to an infection.
According to the attorneys, if she had been sent immediately to the neighboring Regions Hospital, none of this would have happened. However, the authorities didn't appear to care, so it points to an internal, institutional issue. The lawyer also claimed that the woman was yelling in pain but that the authorities ignored her, worsening the injury.
According to a court file, the judge authorized the settlement and consequently dismissed the case.
