Prisons and jails are often hidden arenas of suffering, where abuse, neglect, and systemic indifference thrive. Inmates frequently endure inadequate medical care, mental health neglect, and substandard nutrition, leading to preventable injuries, illnesses, and even death.
Medical Neglect in Prisons
Many correctional facilities fail to meet even basic medical standards. Conditions like diabetes, sepsis, and heart disease—treatable in any other context—are often left undiagnosed or untreated. This neglect results in avoidable suffering and, in some cases, wrongful death. Our firm has fought for inmates who suffered due to:
- Delayed diagnoses of severe conditions like osteomyelitis or endocarditis.
- Inadequate chronic care, such as improper diabetes management.
- Refusal of prescribed medications, jeopardizing health outcomes.
Mental Health Neglect
The mental health crisis in prisons exacerbates suffering for those who are most vulnerable. Common failures include:
- Lack of access to psychiatric care: Inmates with conditions like schizophrenia or PTSD are often denied proper treatment.
- Improper use of solitary confinement: Instead of addressing mental health needs, facilities frequently isolate inmates, worsening their conditions.
- Failure to prevent suicide: Institutions often ignore clear warning signs of mental health crises.
Nutritional Neglect
Nutrition in correctional facilities often falls short of basic standards. Inmates report spoiled or contaminated food, insufficient portions, and diets that exacerbate chronic health issues. Specific issues include:
- Failure to accommodate medical diets for conditions like diabetes.
- Substandard meal quality, with low nutritional value.
- Food safety violations, including contamination by pests.
Legal Framework
Prisoners’ rights are protected under several laws:
- Eighth Amendment: Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, including deliberate indifference to medical needs.
- Fourteenth Amendment: Ensures pretrial detainees receive adequate care.
New Mexico Civil Rights Act (NMCRA): Provides broader remedies and eliminates sovereign immunity for state actors.
Collins & Collins, P.C. uses these legal tools to ensure that correctional facilities and their contractors are held accountable. Our approach often involves filing both state and federal claims, ensuring comprehensive justice for our clients.
If you or a loved one has suffered neglect in a correctional facility, contact us to learn how we can help.