In the last twenty years, Armor Correctional Health Services—formerly known as a leading US provider of healthcare to prisoners—has been the target of several lawsuits and accusations. These lawsuits have exposed the penitentiary healthcare system’s disturbing record of negligence, neglect, and systematic failures. This article explores the most notable lawsuits that were filed against Armor, the results of these trials, and the wider consequences for healthcare for inmates across the country.
Overview of Armor Correctional Health Services
Since its inception in 2004, Armor Correctional Health Services has swiftly grown, winning contracts to supply healthcare in correctional facilities in many states. The organization quickly gained popularity among prisons looking to outsource inmate healthcare due to its affordable and efficient solutions.
Subpar treatment, neglect, and systematic failures were depicted in a number of investigations and lawsuits that emerged behind the scenes. Claims against Armor ranged from medical negligence to wrongful death by 2023, with approximately 600 lawsuits filed in federal courts.
Major Lawsuits and Settlements
The Misty Williamson Case
While doing time in Florida’s Santa Rosa County Jail, Misty Williamson contracted pneumonia in 2016. She died of septic shock because she was not sent to a hospital quickly enough despite her worsening condition. The family was awarded $16 million by a jury, bringing attention to the serious negligence in her treatment.
Stephen Obremski’s Tragic Demise
Armor took custody of Stephen Obremski after his arrest in 2016 at Broward County Jail. His condition deteriorated over the course of thirteen days as he battled opiate withdrawal, hepatitis C, and other illnesses. His death was caused by the absence of proper medical attention, even though he was clearly in agony.
Terrill Thomas: A Case of Dehydration
Deficiency of water for seven days at Milwaukee County Jail was the cause of Terrill Thomas’s death in 2016. Employees of the armory were convicted of medical record falsification and negligence. The severe ramifications of chronic negligence were shown when the county paid $6.75 million to end the litigation. Omar Wesley was refused his life-sustaining medicine while incarcerated in Milwaukee County Jail despite his paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis.
Armor’s failure to provide clozapine led to his severe mental deterioration. The county paid a $1.05 million judgment after Armor’s liquidation left them unable to fulfill the settlement. ​
Legal and Financial Repercussions
Damages to Armor’s financial stability from litigation and settlements added up quickly. The firm went bankrupt in 2024 due to its more than $153 million in unsecured debt. Dr. Jose Armas, the original owner of Armor, created Enhanced Management Services, which received the assets. Many saw this deliberate maneuver as an attempt to avoid financial obligations resulting from the several lawsuits, which raised issues about responsibility.
Systemic Issues in Correctional Healthcare
The challenges faced by Armor are symptomatic of broader issues within the correctional healthcare system:​
- Understaffing and Inadequate Training: Many facilities lack sufficient medical personnel, leading to delayed or inadequate care.​
- Profit Over Care: For-profit models can prioritize cost-cutting over patient well-being, compromising care quality.​
- Lack of Oversight: Insufficient monitoring allows negligent practices to persist unchecked.​
- Mental Health Neglect: Inmates with mental health issues often don’t receive necessary treatment, exacerbating their conditions.​
Reforms and the Path Forward
In response to these systemic failures, several measures are being considered and implemented:​
- Enhanced Oversight: Regular audits and monitoring of correctional healthcare providers.​
- Policy Revisions: Establishing clear standards for inmate care and holding providers accountable.​
- Alternative Models: Exploring non-profit or government-managed healthcare solutions for correctional facilities.​
- Mental Health Focus: Prioritizing mental health services and ensuring timely interventions.​
HTML Table: Major Lawsuits Against Armor Correctional Health Services​
| Case | Year | Outcome | Settlement Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Misty Williamson | 2016 | Jury ruled in favor of the plaintiff | $16 million |
| Stephen Obremski | 2016 | Partial summary judgment; details undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Terrill Thomas | 2016 |
