A depiction of the courtroom setting where the Charleston County Jail lawsuit may be taking place.
Zedrick Smalls, a former police officer, has filed a lawsuit against the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, claiming he received negligent medical care while in protective custody. The suit highlights his serious health decline, including pulmonary embolisms, during his time at the Al Canon Detention Center. Smalls claims that timely medical attention could have prevented his medical issues, raising concerns about inmate healthcare standards. The defendants deny wrongdoing and seek to dismiss the case as Smalls awaits resolution in a local correctional facility.
In a surprising turn of events, former Moncks Corner Police officer Zedrick Smalls has filed a lawsuit against Charleston County and its sheriff’s office, claiming that the medical care he received while in custody was nothing short of negligence. This case has raised some eyebrows and is drawing attention from both locals and legal experts.
It all started back in May 2021 when Smalls found himself on the wrong side of the law, facing multiple charges. Given his previous role in law enforcement, the decision was made to place him in protective custody at the Al Canon Detention Center in June of the same year. The move was likely intended to ensure his safety while also addressing the unique circumstances of his situation.
Now, the lawsuit is bringing to light serious claims about the medical care—or lack thereof—that Smalls reportedly received during his time at the facility. According to the allegations, his health began to decline while he was being held, leading to significant medical issues that Smalls says could have been prevented with timely attention.
As detailed in court documents, by August 2021, Smalls was clearly concerned about his wellbeing. He sought help from jail staff, reporting severe pain and swelling in his leg. Unfortunately, it seems those appeals for assistance went unheeded for far too long.
By September 2021, things took a serious turn for the worse. Smalls was diagnosed with serious medical conditions including pulmonary embolisms and deep vein thrombosis. This escalation in his health problems has led Smalls to argue that the negligence of both the medical staff and detention center employees were key factors in the deterioration of his health—problems that persisted into 2022.
The list of defendants in Smalls’ legal action includes not only the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office but also Wellpath LLC, the healthcare provider that was overseeing medical services at the jail at the time. As of July 2023, Wellpath was replaced by a new provider, VitaCore Health Strategies, amid ongoing issues, including three other medical malpractice lawsuits filed against them in Charleston County.
In response to the lawsuit, both Wellpath LLC and the sheriff’s office have denied all allegations of wrongdoing. They are actively seeking dismissal of the case and have requested a deposition of Smalls as part of the proceedings. This legal maneuvering puts the spotlight on just how complicated this case has become.
As of now, Zedrick Smalls is incarcerated at the Turbeville Correctional Institution while the lawsuit proceeds through the legal system. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has opted not to comment on the ongoing case, and inquiries directed toward Wellpath have remained unanswered.
The allegations in this lawsuit are forcing the community to question the care provided within the detention center and highlight the ongoing need for accountability among those responsible for inmate health. As more information comes to light and as we track the legal proceedings ahead, one can only hope for a resolution that addresses the serious concerns raised by Smalls’ case.
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