Inmate Sean Ford (Full Name: Sean Casigain Ford) Died In Custody At Texas Department of Justice Prowledge Unit In Palestine
ANDERSON COUNTY, TEXAS (January 8, 2023) - A 54-year-old inmate identified as Sean Ford has tragically died at the Texas Department of Justice Prowledge Unit in Palestine.
TDCJ Prowledge Unit officials first reported the death on January 3. Correctional officers noticed that Sean Ford was unresponsive in his jail cell.
Medical staff entered the cell and began life-saving measures including CPR. Sean Ford was transported to the jail infirmary in order to receive additional care.
Sadly, he was later pronounced dead at the jail. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For TDCJ Prowledge Unit Inmate Deaths
Jails can be extremely dangerous places even in the best of circumstances. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “In both 2018 and 2019, more than 90% of prisoner deaths occurred in state prison facilities. Deaths from all causes decreased in state prisons from 2018 to 2019, with the exception of deaths due to drug or alcohol intoxication and homicides. Deaths in prisons operated by the BOP increased from 378 in 2018 to 381 in 2019.” Jails should take a number of measures to prevent inmate deaths.
- Jails should give all of the inmates in their care a thorough health screening.
- Jail staff should be trained to recognize when an inmate is going through a medical emergency.
- Jail staff should perform routine welfare checks on the inmates in their care.
Every jail must take reasonable actions to prevent inmates from being injured or dying. Jails are also obligated to provide all inmates with reasonably adequate healthcare. When a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate in their care, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. There are many situations where an inmate may need more extensive care.
- Inmates will typically need more extensive care when they have pre-existing health conditions.
- Inmates will typically need more care when they are having difficulty breathing.
- Inmates will need more care if they are exhibiting any signs of a drug overdose.
It is common for inmates to let jail staff know that they should be seen by a doctor. However, many of these requests are denied. Jail staff will often claim that inmates are faking their illness. This can have fatal consequences. The family of any person that died in a jail may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any inmate death.
Investigating TDCJ Prowledge Unit Inmate deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Sean Ford. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about an TDCJ Prowledge Unit inmate death? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that jails are held accountable for their unconstitutional actions. 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 214-987-4100.