Accountability in the Prison Healthcare Industry: How We Helped Secure Millions in Patient Safety Reforms
When incarcerated people suffer from inadequate healthcare, the consequences can be fatal—and justice can feel elusive. But in one of the largest healthcare-related bankruptcies in recent years, we helped change that narrative.
Our firm played a key role in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Wellpath Holdings, Inc., the country’s largest private provider of correctional medical services. Representing one of the few wrongful death claimants bold enough to object to the proposed reorganization plan, we helped secure real, life-saving reforms—and over $6.7 million in new funding—to improve medical care for people behind bars.
⚖️ The Case: A $1.2 Billion Bankruptcy with Lives at Stake
Wellpath’s reorganization plan risked brushing aside serious concerns raised by grieving families and personal injury claimants. But thanks to our clients’ courage—and our strategic litigation efforts—the company was forced to respond.
We retained top-tier expert economists from The Brattle Group, who provided critical analysis proving that Wellpath had underestimated its future liability risks and the true cost of poor medical care. Their expert reports, submitted pro bono through Public Interest Experts (PIE) and in coordination with Worth Rises, became foundational to our objections and to the ultimate improvements secured in the bankruptcy resolution.
🏥 What We Won for Patients & Families
Because of our advocacy and the objections we filed on behalf of our clients, the final plan added:
✅ $6.7 million for training healthcare workers serving incarcerated people
✅ A new Patient Safety Hotline accessible to inmates, family members, and facility staff
✅ A restructured compliance department, now independent from legal oversight
✅ $800,000 for software upgrades to track and monitor clinical care quality
✅ A tuition reimbursement program to attract and retain qualified medical staff
✅ Reduced company footprint, with Wellpath exiting 65 contracts—shrinking to better manage patient care
✅ Stated commitments prioritizing patient care as a core value of the reorganized company
Additionally, through coordination with the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (UCC), our efforts supported a broader recovery win:
💰 $25.5 million for a liquidating trust
⚖️ Corporate claims against prior owners
📈 One-third equity in the new company for the liquidating trust as potential allocations supporting personal injury recoveries
These are real results that will tangibly improve the lives of incarcerated people and the families still grieving preventable tragedies.
🔍 Why This Matters: Our Approach to High-Stakes Bankruptcy Litigation
At Willey Law Firm, we don’t just navigate complex bankruptcy cases—we fight for justice within them. Whether representing personal injury claimants, unsecured creditors in major healthcare bankruptcies, or nonprofits navigating litigation strategy, we bring a values-driven, results-oriented approach to every case.
This case reinforces what we stand for:
Zealous advocacy for vulnerable communities
High-level financial and legal strategy under pressure
Partnership with expert witnesses to drive systemic reform
A unique ability to influence billion-dollar deals without compromising human dignity
📣 Our Invitation: Legal Counsel That Serves the Public Good
If you're navigating complex litigation against powerful odds, facing complex legal dynamics, or seeking counsel with a track record of turning moral courage into measurable impact—we’re here. Contact us today!