The family of a 47-year-old Knoxville resident who died from meningitis hours after being jailed is preparing legal action against the University of Tennessee Medical Center, alleging critical diagnostic failures. Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced Wednesday that a formal notice of claim has been filed on behalf of David Batts’ family.

According to the claim, Batts arrived at UT Medical Center’s emergency department on January 7 following a traffic incident. Hospital security subsequently arrested him after allegations of inappropriate behavior and transferred him to Knox County detention facilities. His medical condition rapidly deteriorated in custody, necessitating return to the hospital where he died the following day.

While an autopsy confirmed meningitis as the cause of death, the family contends that proper diagnosis and timely treatment during his initial emergency room visit could have prevented this outcome. Their legal team is simultaneously investigating potential additional claims regarding detention facility staff who reportedly used physical restraint methods against Batts upon his arrival at the jail.