Inmate Robert McCauley (Full Name: Robert Bruce McCauley) Died Following Medical Emergency At Texas Department of Criminal Justice Duncan Unit In Diboll
ANGELINA COUNTY, TEXAS (January 30, 2024) - A 66-year-old inmate identified as Robert McCauley has tragically died while in custody at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Duncan Unit.
TDCJ officials are saying that the incident took place on Saturday, November 18. Robert McCauley was transported to the hospital due to his medical condition.
He remained at the hospital for less than 1 week and his condition continued to decline. Sadly, on November 24 Robert McCauley was pronounced dead by medical staff.
His medical cause of death was listed as “hemorrhagic shock and cardio-respiratory failure.” A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Texas Inmate Deaths
Inmates are more vulnerable to a wide variety of health conditions including cardio-respiratory failure. According to Medical News Today, “Acute respiratory failure occurs when the air sacs of the lungs cannot release enough oxygen into the blood. This can be due to fluid buildup, hardening of the air sac walls, asthma-induced muscle spasms, and many other conditions that affect lung function.” There are a number of signs and symptoms associated with cardio-respiratory failure.
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Cold or clammy skin
All inmates have a legal obligation to provide inmates with reasonable healthcare. This must begin when an inmate is first admitted. They should get a thorough health screening. Inmates that are at risk of certain respiratory ailments may need more specialized care. Jails should take a number of measures in order to help inmates at risk of cardio-respiratory failure.
- Inmates should receive regular health checkups.
- Jail staff should have plenty of training in emergency response.
- Jails should ensure that they have an adequate number of health professionals.
- Jails should be stocked with Narcan, which can be used to reverse the effects of an overdose that could lead to respiratory failure.
Correctional officers are supposed to intervene at the first signs that an inmate is in distress. This will often include instances where an inmate may tell jail staff about what they are experiencing. But in far too many situations, jail officials will refuse to take action. Or they may delay getting an inmate the care that they need. The family of any person that died in a jail may have legal recourse through a civil claim.
Investigating Texas Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Robert McCauley. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There are many questions about what went wrong that still need to be answered.
Do you need more information about a TDCJ inmate death? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to helping people who have been harmed by jail medical neglect. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 214-987-4100.