Upton County Jail is Found Noncompliant Re Prescriptions for Inmates
A jail inspection was conducted at Upton County Jail in Rankin, Texas, on April 10, 2024. On the same day, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent the jail a notice of non-compliance, although there is a typo on the notice, showing “Upon” instead of “Upton.” Upton County Jail was cited for allegedly violating two minimum jail standards.
The TCJS inspector’s notes reveal where Upton County Jail failed to comply with minimum requirements:
- The documentation from the jail indicated that prescribed medications are not being administered to detainees as ordered by the physician.
- Inmates are not receiving 1 hour of supervised physical activity 3 times per week as required, per the documentation from the jail.
Upton County Jail’s address is 1106 Grand Street in Rankin, Texas 79778. The bed capacity at the Rankin jail is 54.
Have Jail Inmates Died When Prescription Medications Weren’t Distributed Properly?
Families of deceased detainees in U.S. jails often voice their concerns that their loved ones did not receive their prescribed medications or other necessary care. If, for instance, a jail was provided insulin for an inmate, it could be considered jail medical neglect if the insulin is not administered.
Without insulin, the body begins to break down fat and muscle. This can result in a medical emergency such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a condition in which your body produces ketones at a dangerous level. Untreated, DKA can result in loss of consciousness and, eventually, death. When treated appropriately with timely treatment, however, the survival rate of diabetic ketoacidosis is upwards of 95%.
When custodial deaths due to natural causes occur, autopsies cannot always prove whether jail medical negligence was a factor. Sometimes, this happens because an inmate suffered from multiple health conditions.
Is Sepsis a Condition Linked to Evidence of Jail Medical Neglect?
When someone dies in jail from sepsis, it is always a red flag because treatment with antibiotics can prevent death from sepsis from occurring. Those who are at a higher risk for sepsis include adults age 65 or older and anyone with a weakened immune system or a chronic medical condition such as lung disease, kidney disease, or cancer. If medical personnel in a jail know these things plus the symptoms of sepsis, they should take action as necessary. The following are potential signs and symptoms of sepsis:
- Delirium or confusion
- A rapid heartbeat
- Chills
- Fever or hypothermia (low body temperature)
- Lightheadedness caused by low blood pressure
- Warm skin
- Mottled skin or a skin rash
What if Someone Dies of Jail Medical Neglect?
Do you have a family member who died of possible jail medical neglect while in a U.S. jail? Or were you formerly incarcerated in a Texas jail and suffered a life-altering condition while there? If so, call the Law Offices of Dean Malone. Having gained years of experience representing families after loved ones died in jail, we have a team dedicated to those types of cases. We are available 24/7. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation. You can reach us by phone call, text, or our online form.
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