Inmate Gregory Taylor (Full Name: Gregory Paul Taylor) Died After Medical Emergency At Texas Department of Criminal Justice Estelle Unit In Huntsville
WALKER COUNTY, TEXAS (November 15, 2023) - An inmate identified as Gregory Taylor has tragically died following a medical emergency at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Estelle Unit in Huntsville.
Walker County officials are saying that the incident began on November 8. Gregory Taylor was under the care of medical staff due to his medical condition.
The next day on November 9, he was transported to the hospital in order to receive additional care. His health continued to decline at the hospital and Gregory Taylor was pronounced dead later in the day.
His cause of death in the custodial death report was listed as cardiac arrest secondary to respiratory failure and sepsis.
Liability For Huntsville Inmate Deaths
Prisoners in the United States are more vulnerable to a variety of medical conditions including sepsis. According to the CHEST Journal, “Sepsis, a syndrome that occurs when a body’s response to an insult such as infection becomes maladaptive and injures its organs and tissues, presents another significant challenge for prisoners.” Prisoners in the United States likely have higher odds of death from sepsis.
- Jails should implement a thorough medical screening during the intake process. This process should identify any infections or medical conditions that inmates have.
- Jails should maintain a clean and hygienic environment in order to reduce the risk of infections.
- Jail medical staff should be trained to recognize the symptoms of infection and sepsis.
- Jails should maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records on all inmates.
Jails have a legal obligation to provide inmates with proper care for all of their medical conditions. When a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs that an inmate has, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. Deliberate indifference could come in many different forms including not giving inmates the medication that they require. For example, sepsis is typically treated with antibiotics administered intravenously and as early as possible. Failing to give a patient antibiotics or delaying care could lead to their death. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any inmate death.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- The medical records of the inmate that died should be reviewed.
- It should be determined if an inmate was under restraints when they died.
- The medications that an inmate was taking at the time of their death should be known.
Jails are often quick to label in-custody deaths as “natural.” Nearly every inmate death aside from homicides or accidents is natural. This does not say anything about the quality of the care that an inmate received before they died. Many supposedly natural deaths involve some element of medical neglect. The family of any inmate that died in-custody may have legal recourse through a constitutional claim. A civil rights attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what may have contributed to any in-custody death.
Investigating Huntsville Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Gregory Taylor. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. There have been so many deaths at Walker County jails in recent months. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies.
Do you need more information about a Walker County inmate death? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that jails are providing them with proper medical care. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any in-custody death we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 214-987-4100.