Inmate Clifford Sands (Full Name: Clifford Chester Sands) Died At Texas Department of Criminal Justice Connally Unit In Kennedy
KARNES COUNTY, TEXAS (January 28, 2024) - A 67-year-old inmate identified as Clifford Sands has tragically died at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Connally Unit in Kennedy.
TDCJ officials are saying that the incident began on November 28. Clifford Sands was admitted to the hospital due to his medical condition.
He remained at the hospital for over three weeks, but his health continued to deteriorate. Sadly, Clifford Sands was pronounced dead on December 22.
His medical cause of death was listed as septic shock. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For TDCJ Connally Unit Inmate Deaths
Sepsis remains a major cause of inmate death in the United States. Evidence suggests that inmates tend to be at a greater risk of adverse health outcomes. According to CHEST Journal, “The data suggest that prisoners with sepsis are more likely to die than are nonprisoners with sepsis. Sepsis is already a major cause of death in patients admitted to the hospital, and to find such a substantial association between incarceration and sepsis mortality is alarming.” Jails should take a number of measures in order to protect inmates from sepsis.
- Jails should make sure that they are following infection prevention protocols.
- Jails should have vaccination programs to prevent common infections.
- Jail officials should monitor inmates for symptoms of sepsis and other ailments.
- Jail staff should work with and communicate with medical providers.
- Inmates at risk of sepsis will typically need a round of antibiotics.
Jails have a legal obligation to protect inmates from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes providing them with healthcare for all of their medical needs. When a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. For example, a jail may have failed to give an inmate any medical care when they showed obvious symptoms of septic shock. It is important that certain steps are taken after any inmate death.
- Jail medical records should be preserved.
- An independent autopsy may need to be performed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- An experienced civil rights attorney should be contacted.
Like many other ailments, sepsis is highly treatable. Despite this, prisoners are nearly 3 times more likely to die from septic shock the non-prisoners. In far too many situations, jail officials and medical staff simply are not following proper protocols. The family of any person that died in a jail may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Sadly, though, it is common for jails to do everything in their power to deny responsibility if an inmate dies in their care.
Investigating TDCJ Connally Unit Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Clifford Sands. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of this man’s family.
Do you need more information about a TDCJ Connally Unit inmate death? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that jails are following constitutional standards. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we may be able to help you. You can reach out to us anytime at 214-987-4100.