Michigan Inmate Awarded $307.6M in Prison Health Care Lawsuit

Jury finds state's former prison health contractor failed to provide adequate care.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:19pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray image of a human spine and ribcage, rendered in translucent shades of blue and grey against a dark background, conceptually representing the fragile health of incarcerated individuals.A jury's record-setting verdict highlights ongoing concerns about the quality of medical care provided to incarcerated individuals by private prison contractors.Today in Detroit

A federal civil jury has awarded a $307.6 million verdict to a Detroit man who alleged he suffered for over two years in prison because the state's former prison health care contractor refused to pay for him to receive necessary medical treatment.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the quality of health care provided to incarcerated individuals, as well as the financial incentives and cost-cutting measures that can lead private prison health contractors to deny or delay necessary treatments.

The details

The former inmate, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, claimed he was denied treatment to reverse a medical condition during his time in the Michigan state prison system. The jury found that the state's former prison health care provider, Corizon Health, prioritized profits over providing adequate care to inmates.

  • The lawsuit was filed in 2023 after the inmate's release from prison.
  • The federal civil trial took place over several weeks in April 2026.

The players

Corizon Health

A private company that previously provided health care services to the Michigan state prison system, but has faced numerous lawsuits and criticism over its practices.

The former inmate

A Detroit man who was incarcerated in the Michigan state prison system and alleges he suffered for over two years due to Corizon Health's refusal to provide him with necessary medical treatment.

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What they’re saying

“This verdict sends a clear message that private prison health care companies cannot prioritize profits over the wellbeing of incarcerated individuals.”

— Samantha Green, Civil rights attorney

What’s next

Corizon Health has indicated it plans to appeal the jury's decision.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability in the privatized prison health care industry, where cost-cutting measures can lead to the denial of essential medical treatment for incarcerated individuals.