Investigation Underway After Inmate Died In Custody At Men’s Central Jail In Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (September 20, 2024) – A 24-year-old inmate has tragically died in custody while at the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident took place on Tuesday. Correctional officers noticed that an inmate was unresponsive.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the inmate. Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at the jail.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time. Authorities suspect that the cause of death was due to a fentanyl overdose.

Liability For Los Angeles County Inmate Death

Drug overdoses remain a major cause of inmate death in California and the United States. According to the NIH, “In 2018, over 67,000 Americans died from drug overdoses and opioid overdose fatalities rose by 10 percent from the previous year. Nearly 11 million individuals passing through the criminal justice system every year and they are one of the most vulnerable groups exposed to the drug crisis.” There are a number of signs that an inmate is going through a fentanyl overdose.

• Shallow breathing
• Extreme drowsiness
• Constricted pupils
• Clammy skin
• Vomiting

All jails have a legal obligation to provide inmates with adequate care for their medical conditions. This must begin when an inmate is first admitted. When an inmate is a risk of an overdose, they may need to go through medical detoxification. There are a number of ways that a jail may have failed to properly care for an inmate.

• Jail officials may have failed to give an inmate Narcan.
• Jail officials may have failed to take an inmate to the hospital in a timely manner.
• Jail officials may have failed to perform periodic wellness checks on an inmate.

The vast majority of overdose deaths in jail are completely preventable. They tend to be the result of systemic failures within a jail system. This may include instances where jails are not doing enough to prevent dangerous drugs like fentanyl from entering in the first place. The family of any inmate who died in jail 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 inmate who died at the Men’s Central Jail in LA. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other deaths at this jail.

Have you or someone that you care about been harmed at the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here for you. 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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