A Williamsburg County jury has awarded $10 million to our client, Christopher Williamson, in a medical negligence lawsuit. The jury’s decision follows overwhelming evidence of nearly three weeks of gross medical neglect that left Mr. Williamson with permanent brain damage and life-threatening injuries.
Mr. Williamson was detained at the Williamsburg County Detention Center in May 2020. Over the course of 19 days, he experienced severe benzodiazepine withdrawal—known to be dangerous without medical intervention. Despite clear signs of distress, the jail’s contracted medical provider failed to properly monitor or medicate him. He suffered multiple seizures, two strokes, and developed stage 4 pressure ulcers from being left immobile on a concrete floor for days.
This was not a momentary lapse in judgment. This was repeated failure, day after day, to provide the basic care every human being deserves—especially someone presumed innocent and fully dependent on the jail’s healthcare system.
“This verdict reflects the seriousness of what Chris went through,” said James B. Moore III. “He was dehumanized and ignored until he suffered irreversible harm. We are proud to have fought for him and thankful that the jury saw the truth.”
The jury awarded $700,000 for economic damages, including over $600,000 in medical bills, and $9.3 million in non-economic damages for the pain, suffering, and long-term consequences Mr. Williamson will endure for the rest of his life.
Southern Health Partners is a private healthcare company that contracts with county jails across the country. In this case, the jury found that both the company and its local medical director failed in their duty to provide safe and competent care to someone in obvious need.
At Evans Moore, LLC, we believe that every person—no matter their circumstances—deserves dignity, medical care, and justice when that care is denied. We will continue to hold institutions accountable when they fail to meet the basic standards of care and respect owed to every human being.