Inmate Samuel Doman (Full Name: Samuel Adolphus Doman) Died In Custody After Medical Emergency At The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Estelle Unit In Huntsville
WALKER COUNTY, TEXAS (December 7, 2023) - A 62-year-old inmate identified as Samuel Doman has tragically died after a medical emergency at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Estelle Unit in Huntsville.
Walker County officials are saying that the incident began on November 28. Samuel Doman was transported to the hospital due to his medical condition.
While at the hospital, his condition continued to decline before he was transported to another hospital on November 29. Sadly, Samuel Doman was pronounced dead on December 5 by medical staff.
The custodial death report listed his cause of death as cardiac arrest. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Huntsville Inmate Deaths
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of inmate death in the United States. According to the Journal of American Cardiology, “Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among individuals incarcerated, and those recently released have a higher risk of being hospitalized and dying of cardiovascular disease compared with the general population, even after accounting for differences in racial identity and socioeconomic status.” There are a number of steps that jails should take to protect inmates at risk of having a heart attack.
- Inmates at risk of heart attacks should be regularly monitored.
- Inmates at risk of heart attacks should be given plenty of exercise opportunities.
- Inmates at risk of heart attacks may need certain medications.
Jails can truly be awful places even in the best of circumstances. It has been widely known for some time that incarceration can severely worsen chronic health conditions. All jails have a legal obligation to provide inmates with adequate healthcare for their medical conditions. When a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. Deliberate indifference could come in many different forms.
- A jail may have failed to give necessary medical treatment for a known medical condition.
- A jail may have disregarded symptoms of a serious health issue.
- Jail officials may have ignored or delayed an inmate’s request for medical attention.
- A jail may have mismanaged an inmate’s care.
Jail deaths can often be complex events. There is typically no single factor that leads to an inmate death. Rather, it is more common that systemic failures and problems within a prison leads to death. This is particularly true in the summer months when inmates are exposed to severe heat. Texas is one of a handful of states where jails lack air conditioning.
Investigating Huntsville Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Samuel Doman. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. The sheer number of inmate deaths across Walker County remains deeply concerning.
Do you need more information about a Walker County inmate death? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here for you. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and jails are upholding constitutional standards. We will advocate on your behalf and make sure that your interests are always center stage. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any in-custody death we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at 214-987-4100.