Those convicted of a crime in New Mexico are sometimes sentenced to prison. Just because they lose their right to freedom does not mean they should lose their access to good health care. A failure to deliver acceptable health care is at the root of a medical malpractice case against the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility.
An inmate at the facility suffered from depression and other mental health issues. He had been prescribed medications as a young man to help him deal with his depression. While he was in jail, the medical staff changed his medications and prescribed medicines to treat anxiety, seizures, insomnia and other physical and mental issues.
The inmate reportedly complained to staff multiple times that he was suffering from depression and was feeling very emotional. He requested to be included in the facility’s substance abuse program but that request was denied. He had two failed suicide attempts. On his third attempt he hanged himself and did not survive. His mother has brought a suit against the facility which alleges negligence, medical malpractice and wrongful death against the facility and certain members of the staff.
Seeing a loved one incarcerated in New Mexico can be hard to handle. Seeing that same person denied necessary medical care could cause an immense amount of stress and grief to the inmate and the inmate’s family. Anyone who suspects that a person may not be being treated appropriately may benefit from consulting with a personal injury attorney. A lawyer can review the facts of the situation to determine if medical malpractice is an issue and suggest appropriate options for legal recourse.
