Killed in Georgia Prison Lawyer

Prison deaths are an unfortunate reality of both federal and state prisons. The victim’s family may be legally entitled to compensatory damages when an inmate dies due to the negligence of another party. An Atlanta wrongful death attorney can help the family file a lawsuit.

An inmate may be killed due to deliberate or unintentional negligence of other parties. These parties can include fellow inmates, correctional officers, or others.

Common Causes of Prison Deaths

Several factors contribute to prison inmate deaths. In many prison death cases, death occurs within seven days of being sent to prison. Here is a look at some of the common causes of prison deaths:

• Suicide – Actual or apparent suicide is the most common cause of prison fatality. Inmates may be unable to handle being imprisoned or may suffer from mental disorders. These can lead them to death by suicide.
• Medical emergency – Some prisoners have medical problems that require urgent attention. When medical care is not forthcoming or provided on time, the problems can worsen and sometimes result in death.
• Violence – Excessive use of force by correctional officers or by fellow prisoners can lead to fatal injuries for an inmate.
• Drug or alcohol intoxication – Some prisoners arrive at prison with substance abuse problems. Some of them are even intoxicated at the time of their incarceration. A vast number of these prisoners suffer severe withdrawal symptoms, which may combine with existing medical conditions to cause death.

Who Is Liable?

The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution mandates that no cruel or unusual punishments shall be meted out to prisoners. In addition, prison officials are also responsible for taking reasonable care to ensure the safety of the inmates.

The negligence of the prison officials can result in the death of an inmate. When proving negligence in a prison death claim, you must show that officials acted with “deliberate indifference.”

This involves proving two things: you must prove that a prison official was well aware that there was a significant risk of harm to the victim and that the official failed to take any reasonable measures to avert or minimize this risk.

Federal and state prisons are typically immune from being sued for the death of an inmate. However, the Federal Tort Claims Act creates an exception that allows you to hold the liable party accountable.

See How an Atlanta Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of prison officials or other parties, we can help you. Here at Fischer Redavid PLLC, we have extensive experience in handling prison death cases. We understand that the death of a loved one is a tragic loss, and we strive to offer compassionate legal services at such a time.

Call us today at 404-287-2856 to discuss your case with our lawyers. You can also reach us through the following form.