Family reaches $2 million settlement over woman's death at North Dakota jail
- Lacey Higdem died from methamphetamine toxicity after being in custody at Rolette County Jail.
- Her mother filed a lawsuit in 2022 citing medical neglect by the jail and hospital.
- A $2 million settlement was reached, highlighting accountability issues for medical care in jails.
In June 2020, Lacey Higdem, a 19-year-old woman, died from a drug overdose at the Rolette County Jail in North Dakota. Prior to arriving at the jail, Higdem had been found by a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer responding to a report of a woman yelling for help in the woods. Upon being taken to a hospital, she was discharged prematurely despite having significant medical needs. Once in jail, she was charged with disorderly conduct and preventing arrest but did not receive the necessary medical treatment, leading to her tragic death about nine hours after her arrival. In 2022, Higdem's mother, Jessica Allen, filed a lawsuit against Rolette County, two former correctional officers, and medical providers. The complaint highlighted issues of deliberate indifference to Higdem's serious medical needs while in custody and alleged medical malpractice during her hospital treatment. Despite appearing in a delusional state, both correctional officers neglected to seek medical help for Higdem, ultimately affecting her chance for survival. Following the lawsuit, a $2 million settlement was accepted by Allen from the county. The North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund will cover the payment. The lawsuit drew attention to the legal and ethical responsibilities of correctional facilities to provide adequate medical care to inmates. The former correctional officers faced charges for their neglect of duty, but through Alford pleas, opted to maintain their innocence while recognizing evidence could convict them. The situation has raised wider concerns about the treatment of individuals in custody, the processes within county jails, and the accountability of those involved in their care. The case also prompted discussion regarding the responsibilities hospitals have in discharging patients who may still be in critical need of attention. The tragic event left a young child without a mother and reignited discussions on how institutional policies can impact the lives of vulnerable individuals.