Wellpath Files for Bankruptcy, Leaving Families Heartbroken in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE – In a jaw-dropping turn of events, the healthcare provider Wellpath, which has long been accused of contributing to deaths inside Mecklenburg County jails, has filed for bankruptcy. This shocking move has halted all ongoing lawsuits and left families and their attorneys in a state of disbelief.
A Brief History
Wellpath, originally known as Correct Care Solutions, had been operating in the Mecklenburg County jails since 2008. In 2018, a private equity firm acquired the company and it rebranded as Wellpath. This year, the company made a surprising decision to abruptly terminate its contract with the county. Then, just days ago on Tuesday, they filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
According to Wellpath, this filing is a necessary step for the company to restructure its finances. However, legal experts argue that it serves a more strategic purpose: shielding the company from a mountain of ongoing and future lawsuits, raising serious questions about accountability.
The Legal Situation
Wellpath is currently named in approximately 1,000 lawsuits across the country, both pending and closed, and has been implicated in at least 70 deaths. In fact, a recent investigative report revealed that the healthcare provider is facing at least five open lawsuits in Charlotte’s federal court alone.
“This situation is a classic case of a multi-billion dollar corporation using the legal system to dodge accountability for their civil rights violations,” said Devontae Torriente, a legal fellow with the National Police Accountability Project. His sentiments echo the frustration of many families who believe the system is failing them.
Families Left in the Lurch
Legal representatives are particularly concerned about how this bankruptcy could impede families from achieving justice. Charlotte attorney Micheal L. Littlejohn Jr. represents several families planning to sue Wellpath and the Mecklenburg County Jail. He expressed his worries, stating, “This could potentially hinder victims and their families from seeking the justice they deserve.”
One heartbreaking example is the case of Karon Golightly, a 20-year-old who tragically died after detention officers missed mandatory health rounds. His mother had filed a lawsuit against both Wellpath and the county sheriff, Garry McFadden, alleging negligence. Now, however, unless given special permission by a judge, her case may never see the light of day.
The Bankruptcy Process
After filing for Chapter 11 protection, Wellpath is reportedly over $644 million in debt. They expect to reduce this crippling debt by approximately $550 million as they move forward with restructuring efforts. While this might sound like good news for the company, for the families of inmates, it leaves a bitter taste.
Attorney Jim Henderson explains, “To move forward, plaintiffs may need to argue their claims in a bankruptcy court in Texas, where Wellpath filed its case. But delaying their proceedings means delaying justice.” This means that families may have to navigate through complex legal waters, which could ultimately discourage many from pursuing their claims altogether.
A Troubling Pattern
Wellpath’s history in North Carolina jails has been marred by controversies and lawsuits, many of which have been settled confidentially, raising further doubts about reform and accountability. Just this year, the family of Devin Haley, who died by what was described as a “preventable and unnecessary” suicide, reached a settlement with Wellpath and several other defendants after his cries for medication were ignored while detained.
Looking Ahead
As this bankruptcy saga unfolds, it leaves many asking: What does this mean for the future of healthcare in jails? Will those who suffer from negligent care at the hands of large corporations ever see justice? Charlotte’s attorney community is closely watching, as families continue to grapple with their grief and the legal complexities looming over them.
For now, it remains unclear how this situation will resolve, but what is certain is that the fight for accountability is far from over.
