Inmate Steven Rose (Full Name: Steven Anthony Rose) Died After Medical Emergency While Staying At Hospital Galveston
GALVESTON COUNTY, TEXAS (January 30, 2024) - A 66-year-old inmate identified as Steven Rose has tragically died following some type of medical emergency at Hospital Galveston.
TCCJ officials are saying that the incident began on December 7. Steven Rose was admitted to the hospital due to his medical condition.
He remained at the hospital for roughly three weeks. Sadly, Steven Rose was later pronounced dead by medical staff.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For TDCJ Inmate Deaths
Inmates have a variety of different health conditions. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “In 2019, a total of 3,853 prisoners died in state prisons or private prison facilities under a state contract, a decrease of 284 deaths from 2018. The number of federal prisoners who died in the custody of a facility operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) increased from 378 in 2018 to 381 in 2019.” Many different factors may contribute to poor health outcomes for inmates.
- Jails may be understaffed which can mean that inmates are being checked on less frequently.
- Jails may be overcrowded which can stretch thin the healthcare resources that inmates receive.
- Inmates are more likely to enter the jail system with a variety of different health conditions.
In the U.S. Supreme Court case Estelle v. Gamble, the court held that inmates have a right to receive reasonably adequate medical care. Failing to give inmates medical care is a form of cruel and unusual punishment and therefore prohibited. Inmates at risk of certain poor health outcomes will typically need greater levels of care. A jail may failed to properly care for an inmate in many different ways.
- Jail officials may have failed to get an inmate the medication that they required.
- Jail officials may have failed to perform routine wellness checks on inmates.
- Jail officials may have ignored obvious symptoms an inmate needed medical aid.
Jail deaths may seem random. But the fact of the matter is that they are often highly preventable. People do not die randomly. Rather, there are nearly always clear signs and symptoms that an inmate is at risk. Sadly, though, these signs are often ignored. The family of any person that died in a TDCJ 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 Texas Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Steven Rose. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to prevent other tragedies like this. The sheer number of inmate deaths across Texas remains ongoing at this time.
Do you need more information about a TDCJ 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 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 214-987-4100.