North Dakota Man Sues Clay County Jail Over Denied Seizure Medication

Lawsuit alleges jail staff ignored requests for anti-seizure medication, leading to seizure and head injury

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A North Dakota man has filed a federal lawsuit against Clay County, Minnesota, and two healthcare companies, alleging that jail staff repeatedly denied him his anti-seizure medication for five days, leading to a seizure and head injury. The lawsuit claims the jail's actions violated the man's constitutional rights and resulted in medical malpractice and negligence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of proper medical care and access to necessary medications for inmates with known health conditions. It raises questions about the standard of care and protocols at the Clay County Correctional Facility, as well as the broader issue of how jails and prisons handle inmates' medical needs.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Joshua Waggoner was booked into the Clay County Correctional Facility on December 19, 2023, with a blood alcohol level of 0.188. Intake forms noted that Waggoner had a seizure disorder and was taking the anti-seizure medication Lamictal. The lawsuit alleges that Waggoner verbally requested his medication daily from corrections staff, and a family member also called the jail requesting that he receive his medication, but staff refused to accept it. On December 23, Waggoner submitted a written request for his medication to Corrections Sgt. Jessica Charles, but no action was taken. That same afternoon, Waggoner suffered a seizure and fell from his bunk, sustaining a head injury that required sutures and resulted in permanent scarring. The attending physician at the hospital noted that Waggoner had not received his anti-seizure medication for five to six days.

  • Waggoner was booked into the Clay County Correctional Facility on December 19, 2023.
  • On December 23, 2023, Waggoner submitted a written request for his medication to Corrections Sgt. Jessica Charles.
  • On December 23, 2023, Waggoner suffered a seizure and fell from his bunk, sustaining a head injury.

The players

Joshua Waggoner

A North Dakota man who is suing Clay County, Minnesota, and two healthcare companies over allegations that jail staff repeatedly denied him his anti-seizure medication, leading to a seizure and head injury.

Clay County

The county in Minnesota where the Clay County Correctional Facility is located, and one of the defendants named in the lawsuit.

Advanced Correctional Healthcare Inc.

One of the healthcare companies named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

USA Medical & Psychological Staffing S.C.

One of the healthcare companies named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Sgt. Jessica Charles

A corrections sergeant at the Clay County Correctional Facility who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Samantha Hoppe

A registered nurse and site manager at the Clay County Correctional Facility who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.