Family of Medford man who died of flu in prison sues for $15 million

January 30, 2020 9:47 am

Published January 30, 2020 9:46 am

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A $15 million lawsuit filed by the family of a Medford man who died at the Oregon State Penitentiary accuses prison staff of failing to treat the 54-year-old inmate for flu and then covering up his flu-related death.

The Statesman Journal reports that Michael Barton was already experiencing mental illness and dementia when he came down with the flu in January 2018.

Prison officials declined to comment on the allegations made in the lawsuit or the Disability Rights Oregon review, citing the pending litigation.

Barton entered state custody in 2017 after being convicted of robbing a bank.

Article Topic Follows: Crime And Courts

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The Associated Press

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