Fourth Circuit Upholds Civil Rights Damages Class in Opioid Treatment Case Involving Private Prison Medical Contractor

In a significant victory for civil rights advocates, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has affirmed certification of a civil rights damages class in litigation against Wexford Health Sources, Inc. (“Wexford”), a provider of healthcare services to correctional facilities. The lawsuit alleges that Wexford denied incarcerated patients access to medication for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), in violation of the Constitution and established medical standards of care. The class, secured by lead attorney Anna C. Haac of Haac Law and co-counsel, is Spurlock v. Wexford Health Sources, Inc. (No. 3:23-0476), pending in the Southern District of West Virginia.

“Today’s decision is an important step toward ensuring those who suffer from the chronic disease of opioid use disorder receive the life-saving treatment they need,” said Ms. Haac. “America’s prisons are ground zero for the opioid epidemic. This decision reinforces that denying MOUD in prisons isn’t just bad policy—it may be unconstitutional. We look forward to proving that in Court and obtaining relief for folks who were forced to go through painful and dangerous withdrawal instead of being properly treated with proven medication.”

In affirming certification of the damages class, the Fourth Circuit emphasized that medication for Opioid Use Disorder is widely recognized as the evidence-based standard of care—comparable to insulin for diabetes. The Court also cited Wexford’s policy of forcing individuals into painful withdrawal despite Wexford’s own recognition of the dangers associated with that. The lower court also certified an injunctive class, but the Fourth Circuit remanded for consideration of whether former inmates can represent currently incarcerated individuals. Plaintiffs plan to prove their claims at trial.

About Haac Law, LLC

Haac Law, LLC is dedicated to protecting the public interest through impactful litigation. The firm focuses on consumer protection class actions and False Claims Act cases involving fraud on the government. Anna C. Haac, the founder of Haac Law, has helped to secure millions of dollars in relief for American consumers and taxpayers who were the victims of deceptive business practices, predatory loans, customs fraud, and product defects.

Media Contact

WestMo Strategies
Mercedes Marx, Principal
[email protected]
(240) 432-1195