Los Angeles, CA – A disturbing video recently surfaced showing 55-year-old Steven Miller collapsing multiple times in his cell while suffering from withdrawals that would lead to his death. Miller had been booked on March 9 to the Valley Jail Section in Van Nuys.
Disturbing Circumstances Surrounding the Inmate’s Death
Roughly 16 hours after being booked, Miller told medical staff that he was experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The staff would treat him and return him to his holding cell, where he would remain for the next two days. On March 11, video footage shows Miller standing near the sink inside his cell when he collapsed for the first time, hitting his head on a toilet and the cement floor. He would attempt to get back up before falling over again and striking his head on the floor a second time. Miller attempted to get up a third time before collapsing yet again, hitting a bed frame, the wall, and the floor. At this point another inmate alerted medical staff, but they found Miller unresponsive, and he would be pronounced dead.
Miller’s death is under investigation, and an autopsy is pending.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Under 42 U.S. Code § 1983, individuals have the right to seek redress if they believe their constitutional rights have been violated by those acting under state authority. The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, which courts have interpreted to include deliberate indifference to serious medical needs of prisoners.
In California, Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations sets forth the standards for the operation of local detention facilities, including requirements for medical services. Failure to adhere to these standards can result in legal liability for the responsible parties.
Broader Context and Statistics
According to a report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there were over 1,000 deaths in local jails across the United States in 2019, with a significant number attributed to illness or medical conditions.
Seeking Accountability for In-Custody Deaths
We at the Sehat Law Firm offer our condolences to the family of Steven Miller.
At The Sehat Law Firm, we are committed to advocating for the rights of individuals who have suffered due to negligence or misconduct within the correctional system. If you or a loved one has been affected, please contact us at (949) 825-5200 or fill out the form at the bottom of this page for a free consultation.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and so may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.
