GREAT FALLS, Mont. (NMB) – Hill County has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the decade-old death of A.J. Longsoldier by the Montana Supreme Court. The Court overturned the district court ruling that found Hill County vicariously liable for the negligence of Northern Montana Hospital.
Longsoldier’s estate claimed the county was partially responsible, but the Court ruled that there was no contract between Hill County and the hospital, and Longsoldier was an inmate of Blaine County at the time.
Longsoldier was arrested after his probation officer couldn’t contact him. He appeared sober at the time of the arrest, but had been drinking heavily in the days prior. Blaine County deputies transported Longsoldier to the hospital, but the hospital failed to diagnose his alcohol withdrawal symptoms. He returned to the detention center, but his condition worsened. Blaine County called the hospital, but a nurse advised there was nothing physically wrong with Longsoldier and he was not transported. His condition deteriorated and he died the next day.
Longsoldier’s estate settled with Northern Montana Hospital in 2011.
