The family of a man who was detained at the Hudson County Correctional Facility by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is alleging that he died at the jail two years ago due to negligent care.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The 52-page lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey on Thursday, claims that Carlos Bonilla, 43, a father of four, died at the facility on June 10th, 2017, after being detained for just over two months.
“When Mr. Bonilla arrived at Hudson County Correctional Center, and reported his history of cirrhosis, Defendants repeatedly failed to evaluate and treat him. Mr. Bonilla’s family seeks to hold Defendants accountable for their failure to ensure that Mr. Bonilla received essential medical care,” the suit claims.
The suit also says that Bonilla’s cause of death was “internal bleeding and hemorrhagic shock,” claiming that bleeding began at least three days prior to his death.
Furthermore, the lawsuit names Hudson County government, the jail, CFG Health Systems and various health professionals and corrections officers as defendants, claiming healthcare professionals did not perform their jobs and/or were unqualified to be at their posts.
The suit was brought forward by his oldest daughter, Joanna, 23, and through the court filing, reiterates that her father would still be alive if the jail had proper supervision, training and medical care.
Bonilla is represented by the New York Lawyers for the Public Interest and Dechert LLP, who are seeking legal fees, pre- and post-judgement interests and any other relief the court deems just and equitable.
A county spokesman declined to comment on the suit, citing a policy not to discuss ongoing litigation.
