pexels-anna-shvets-3683036Investigation Underway After 19-Year-Old Inmate Died From Fentanyl Overdose at Men’s Central Jail In Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (September 10, 2024) – A 19-year-old inmate has tragically died following a suspected fentanyl overdose at the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident took place on Monday. Correctional officers noticed that an inmate was in some type of medical distress.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the man. Despite life-saving measures, he was later pronounced dead. Authorities believe that his death is related to fentanyl toxicity.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Inmate Overdose Deaths 

Many inmates die from drug overdoses every year. According to National Public Radio, “From 2001 to 2018, the number of people who have died of drug or alcohol intoxication in state prisons rose more than 600%, according to an analysis of newly-released data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. In county jails, overdose deaths increased by more than 200%.” Jails should take a number of measures in order to prevent inmate overdose deaths.

  • Jails should be stocked with Narcan, which can be used to reverse overdoses.
  • Jails staff should be trained to recognize the signs that an inmate is going through an overdose.
  • Jails should do everything in their power to prevent illicit drugs from entering inside.

All jails have a legal obligation to protect inmates from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes protecting them from drug overdoses. This should start when an inmate is first admitted. If an inmate has a known history of drug abuse, they may need to go through medical detoxification. When a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. It is important that certain steps are taken after any inmate death.

  • Medical records related to the death should be preserved.
  • The actions of jail officials prior to the death should be understood.
  • An independent autopsy may need to be performed.
  • An experienced civil rights attorney should be contacted.

It can be hard to know where to begin after any inmate death. To make matters worse, jail officials will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if someone in their care dies. The family of any person that died in custody may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating Los Angeles County Inmate Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man that died in the Men’s Central Jail. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.

Do you need more information about a Los Angeles County inmate death? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.

 

 

 

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