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Lawsuit accuses former N.C. EMT of taking photos of dying patient

The complaint alleges Onslow County failed to properly investigate or secure the EMT’s phone after learning she photographed a critically injured patient who later died

ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. — A lawsuit filed April 23 accuses Onslow County and former county EMT Megan Jenkins of taking and sharing photos of a critically injured patient without a legitimate medical or governmental purpose, WCTI reported.

According to the complaint, Jenkins allegedly photographed the patient on Aug. 25, 2025, while the patient was alive and suffering from life-threatening injuries. The patient later died at the hospital.

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The lawsuit includes claims of negligence and gross negligence, emotional distress, violations of the North Carolina Constitution, obstruction of justice and punitive damages against Jenkins, according to plaintiffs’ counsel.

The lawsuit also alleges that Onslow County learned Jenkins used her personal cellphone to take the photos but failed to follow proper protocols, including investigating the incident or securing the device, and did not notify the plaintiffs until nearly two months later.

The plaintiffs are seeking more than $25,000 in damages from the defendants.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.