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New Mexico Corrections Department accused of two wrongful deaths

On Behalf of | Mar 10, 2020 | Wrongful Death

Medical care while in the state’s Corrections Department may not be sufficient to save people’s lives when they encounter life-threatening illnesses. Often, complaints are not taken seriously or responded to quickly enough to resolve an issue before it becomes fatal. Recent complaints show that medical treatment records are scant when it comes to at least one inmate’s requested records. 

According to KOB4, the New Mexico Corrections Department is facing two pending litigations accusing the institution of medical malpractice and wrongful death. One of the lawsuits claims that the department removed a 39-year-old from life support despite the protests from his family. The lawsuit states that the inmate repeatedly asked for medical care for what he assumed was an ulcer. After receiving antacids for two months, the inmate was finally transported to a hospital after consistent vomiting for two days. It was there that he received a diagnosis of heart, liver and brain disease, along with a severe infection. It was several weeks before anyone notified his family of his condition. 

The second lawsuit accuses the Corrections Department of failing to give a former inmate heart medication for his known heart condition. The department transferred the inmate to a hospital where fell in the parking lot and passed away before he could get help. 

For grieving families who lose loved ones due to another person or organization’s negligence, it may be a good idea to contact an attorney. This may help shed some light on the different types of compensation and assistance available to them. While no family member’s life can have a price put on it, the negligent parties need to face justice to prevent similar situations in the future.