Harnett County settles inmate death lawsuit for $1.2 million

A federal lawsuit concerning the 2021 death of an inmate at the Harnett County jail has concluded with a $1.2 million settlement, WRAL reported. The settlement was approved for public disclosure by the county's Board of Commissioners, ending a years-long legal dispute.

The lawsuit, filed by the estate of the inmate Eric Griffith, alleged that he showed clear signs of serious drug withdrawal and other medical issues when arrested for failing to pay a fine. According to the lawsuit, jail staff did not report Griffith's condition to medical personnel, failed to provide medical treatment or medications, and did not follow the detention center's Health Plan.

Sheriff Wayne Coats and three detention officers were named defendants in the lawsuit. The settlement was reached in July, and as a result, the civil action and any appeals were dismissed, WRAL reported.

A friend of Griffith expressed that despite the settlement amount, it does not bring him back, highlighting the personal loss behind the legal case.