The Tragic Case of Madeline Pitkin

Summary:  Madaline Pitkin, a 26-year-old woman, died in the Washington County Jail in 2014 from dehydration and heroin withdrawal after jail staff neglected her repeated pleas for medical assistance. Attorney Tim Jones represented Pitkin’s family, filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the jail and its medical provider. His legal efforts exposed systemic failures in inmate care, pushing for accountability and policy changes. The case resulted in a substantial settlement and raised public awareness about the need for improved medical treatment for incarcerated individuals, especially those undergoing withdrawal.

In 2014, 26-year-old Madaline Pitkin was incarcerated in the Washington County Jail, where she suffered from heroin withdrawal. Despite multiple pleas for medical assistance, jail staff failed to provide her the care she desperately needed. Her condition worsened, leading to severe dehydration and eventually her tragic death in her cell. This heartbreaking case brought to light serious deficiencies in the jail’s healthcare system, particularly in its treatment of inmates suffering from substance withdrawal.

Attorney Tim Jones, a seasoned civil rights lawyer, played a pivotal role in representing Pitkin’s family. Jones filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Washington County Jail and Corizon Health, the private contractor responsible for inmate healthcare. His legal strategy focused on exposing the systemic neglect that contributed to Pitkin’s death, pointing out the jail’s failure to address her deteriorating health despite her repeated requests for medical attention. Jones gathered evidence through internal documents, expert testimony, and depositions, showing that the jail’s inadequate healthcare practices, exacerbated by understaffing and poor training, were a direct cause of her death.

Attorney John Coletti, a respected trial lawyer known for his expertise in complex litigation, joined the case alongside Tim Jones. Coletti’s experience with high-profile wrongful death cases added weight to the legal team’s efforts. Working collaboratively, Jones and Coletti strengthened the case by emphasizing the gross negligence of both the jail and Corizon Health. Coletti’s contribution helped bring further attention to the systemic issues within the jail’s healthcare system, complementing Jones’ focus on civil rights violations. Together, they demonstrated how the lack of proper medical care in jails can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Their work not only led to a significant financial settlement for the Pitkin family but also heightened public awareness about the poor standards of medical care in correctional facilities. The case became a catalyst for broader discussions on how jails manage inmates in need of medical care, particularly those undergoing withdrawal. Jones’ efforts helped bring about changes that could prevent future tragedies, emphasizing the importance of providing adequate healthcare for vulnerable inmates.