San Jacinto County Jail Fails State Inspection
San Jacinto County Jail in Coldspring, Texas, has been cited by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) for one jail violation. A TCJS inspector visited San Jacinto County Jail on March 7, 2024, and conducted a special jail inspection. The reasons TCJS inspects jails at times other than for annual inspections include complaint responses and follow-ups to reports of custodial deaths.
The violation San Jacinto Jail was cited for is in the chapter about discipline and grievances. The inspector’s note indicates that “inmates were not given 24 hours written notice before hearings were held on facility rules violations.” The San Jacinto County Jail’s address is 75 W. Cedar Avenue, Coldspring, Texas 77331. The Coldspring jail has a 101-bed capacity.
Medical Complaints are Prevalent Among Texas Detainees in County Jails
TCJS not only establishes operational guidelines for local Texas jails, but it also handles inmate complaints. The TCJS 2022 annual report mentions that 1,132 complaint letters against Texas jails:
- Did not require a response from county officials,
- Were beyond the Commission’s purview, or
- Were returned to the sender with instructions to use the established jail grievance system in their facility.
The remaining complaints were handled in one of two ways, as follows:
- Conditions in need of correction were alleviated, or
- The lack of truth in the accusations was established, “thus helping to eliminate frivolous litigation.”
Of the 2022 complaint allegations, 1,306 were about medical and dental care. Most topics had well below 100 complaints each. “Other” was the largest category but represents a potentially broad range of areas. The third most common type of complaint was about sanitation, with 548 total.
TCJS reports the same statistic every year in that, by far, most complaints are related to medical and dental care. This is a cause of concern because when medical issues aren’t addressed, it can result in serious repercussions to inmates, including death.
Is Medical Neglect a Big Issue in U.S. Jails?
Watchdog groups concerned with protecting the interests of jail detainees often bring to light custodial deaths associated with potential medical neglect. When someone dies of sepsis, for example, a red flag suggesting potential medical neglect is raised. Sepsis can be prevented by treatment with antibiotics. If caught early enough, treatment for sepsis typically leads to a full recovery with no enduring problems.
Signs of sepsis are easily diagnosed, and they include fever, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. Treatment includes antibiotics and maintaining blood flow to organs. Inmates have a right to receive such necessary treatment as is given for possible sepsis, as well as the necessary care in connection with other medical conditions.
Has a Loved One Died of Possible Jail Medical Neglect?
If you suspect that a loved one who was in a U.S. jail has died as a result of medical neglect, give our office a call. We have a team dedicated to the diligent handling of such cases. Any lawsuits that may be filed as a result of jail neglect should be handled by competent professionals. The best way to avoid procedural errors within the legal system is by hiring attorneys who have experience handling your type of case.
We have a genuine interest in helping families of deceased inmates and former inmates who are suffering severe results of jail neglect. You can contact us at any time of the day or night. Call, text, or fill out our online form to reach out to us today.
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