Knoxville, Tennessee Attorney for Denial Of Adequate Medical Care

Understanding Your Right to Adequate Medical Care Under the Fourteenth Amendment

There are a variety of ways that people's civil rights may be violated, and one common issue faced by people who are in the custody of law enforcement involves a lack of proper medical care. Prison inmates or others who are held in detention by police should be provided with all necessary treatment, and they can suffer serious harm if medical care is withheld. At The Baker Law Firm, we understand the ways these issues can affect people and families, and we are dedicated to helping our clients address violations of their rights.

Constitutional Rights Regarding Medical Care

The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution requires that inmates be provided adequate medical care while in the custody of any governmental entity. This constitutional mandate ensures that no inmate is subjected to cruel and unusual punishment through the denial of necessary medical treatment. When a governmental entity, such as a jail or prison, fails to meet this standard, it may be held liable based on its officers' violations of a person's constitutional rights. We can help address customs, policies, or procedures of municipalities that are found to be the proximate cause of a constitutional violation that caused an inmate to suffer harm.

We can also address deliberate indifference that resulted in harm to inmates. Deliberate indifference involves a conscious or reckless disregard for someone's constitutional rights. It is a stringent standard that requires more than mere negligence. For an inmate to successfully claim that they suffered harm due to a violation of their right to adequate medical care, will need to demonstrate the following:

• Serious medical need: The plaintiff must prove that they had a serious condition requiring medical attention. This could range from chronic illnesses to acute injuries or conditions that, if untreated, could lead to further significant health issues or death.
• Deliberate indifference: The plaintiff must show that the defendant, typically a correctional officer or medical personnel, knew of and disregarded an excessive risk to the inmate's health or safety.
• Causation of harm: There must be a direct link between the defendant's deliberate indifference and the harm suffered by the plaintiff. The plaintiff must demonstrate that the lack of adequate medical care resulted in physical injuries or worsened their condition.

Examples of Civil Rights Violations in Correctional Facilities

There are many ways that inmates may suffer harm due to indifference to their medical needs. Some examples may include:

• Failure to provide necessary medications: An inmate with a diagnosed medical condition, such as diabetes or hypertension, may be denied essential medications, leading to severe health complications.
• Ignoring medical emergencies: In some situations, inmates may experience acute medical issues, such as heart attacks or strokes, and correctional staff may fail to respond promptly and adequately.
• Inadequate mental health care: Many inmates suffer from mental illnesses or other conditions that require ongoing treatment. Failure to provide access to mental health services or to respond to psychiatric crises can be grounds for a civil rights claim.
• Substandard medical facilities: Jails and prisons are required to maintain basic medical facilities that can address common health issues among inmates. Inadequate facilities that are unable to provide necessary care may violate inmates' constitutional rights.

Pursuing Legal Action for Civil Rights Violations

If you believe that your civil rights or the rights of a loved one have been violated while in custody, it is essential to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. The Baker Law Firm can help you understand your rights and the potential remedies available to you. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of inmates and holding correctional facilities accountable for their actions. With our deep understanding of the legal standards and the evidentiary requirements involved in civil rights cases, we work diligently to ensure that our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Contact Our Knoxville, Tennessee Civil Rights Lawyer for Denial of Medical Care

If you have been seriously injured due to a denial of adequate medical care, or if a loved one has died due to this type of constitutional violation, contact The Baker Law Firm for legal help. Call 865-200-4117 to arrange a free consultation today.