Sponsor: Board of Commissioners
Title
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Settlement Agreement in Matthew Breen v. Ramsey County, et al. (Court File No. 23-CV-03398-JRT-JDF)
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Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve the settlement agreement with Matthew Breen relating to Matthew Breen v. Ramsey County, et al., Court File No. 23-CV-03398 (JRT/JDF), totaling $460,000.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the settlement agreement.
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Background and Rationale
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Plaintiff Matthew Breen alleges that while incarcerated at the Adult Detention Center and the Ramsey County Correctional Facility from December 9, 2022 through December 18, 2022, he contracted a rare medical condition called Ludwig’s Angina due, in part, to the fault of the facilities’ nurses who provided him medical care and sheriff deputies who failed to transport him to a dental appointment on December 9, 2022.
Plaintiff and Ramsey County, on behalf of itself and its employees named as defendants in their individual and official capacities, reached a settlement. The board approved that settlement in a closed session on June 24, 2025.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is no racial equity associated with this request for board action.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community engagement associated with this request for board action.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The county is self-insured. The settlement will be paid out of the county’s tort liability fund.
Last Previous Action
On June 24, 2025, the Ramsey County Board met in a closed session to receive advice from and provide direction to the County Attorney’s Office (Resolution B2025-131).
Attachments
1. Settlement Agreement