Facts

In 2004, Ricky Kirk, 40 years of age, was arrested on a spousal abuse charge. Immediately prior to jail, Kirk cut the palm of his hand on his wife's teeth while hitting her on the mouth. Kirk was arrested and his wound was cleaned and dressed. It was then left untreated for 3.5 days. Plaintiff alleged he made repeated requests for care and that there was a jail nurse's notation that it should be cleaned and dressed daily. Defendant contended this allegation is false, as plaintiff never signed up for the nurse's sick call or submitted kites requesting medical treatment.

Kirk's hand became infected. He needed three surgeries in the span of a week to dredge the skin and muscle from the arm and to have skin grafted from his thigh.

In September 2005, Kirk brought a federal suit against Sacramento County and then sheriff Lou Blanas and four health care officials at the jail.

Specials in Evidence

$156,000

Result

$100,000 settlement from Sacramento County to Kirk.