SC Jail Faces Second Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Past Year
An Upstate South Carolina detention center is facing another wrongful death lawsuit after the family of a former inmate claimed jail staff failed to provide proper medical care before the man’s death. The lawsuit alleges that officials ignored clear signs of a serious medical condition and failed to take reasonable steps to protect the inmate’s health and safety while in custody.
According to court filings, an inmate at Cherokee County Detention Center reportedly experienced worsening symptoms when he was arrested on March 30, 2024, but did not receive timely medical attention. Attorneys representing the family argue that the detention center’s staff acted with deliberate indifference and neglected their duty to monitor and treat inmates requiring urgent care. The man was arrested earlier in the day and exhibited clear signs of multiple medical conditions, including severe drug intoxication, extreme agitation, combativeness, and hyperthermia when he arrived at the Cherokee County Detention Center.
The man also allegedly made statements about committing suicide and appeared medically compromised. Despite these indicators, no medical screening or evaluation was performed.
During the booking process, the man was restrained using a restraint system and subjected to a drive-stun.
The man was found unresponsive later that day. He was taken to Cherokee Medical Center that evening, but later died. The cause of his death was determined to be methamphetamine toxicity.
The lawsuit alleges that staff failed to provide continuous direct monitoring of the man despite his worsening condition and did not summon medical assistance when emergency intervention was needed. The complaint seeks actual, consequential, and punitive damages.
This marks another legal challenge for the jail, which has faced previous allegations involving inmate treatment and conditions inside the facility.
Cases like these often highlight broader concerns about inmate healthcare, supervision, and accountability in correctional institutions. Wrongful death lawsuits involving detention facilities typically focus on whether officials failed to meet constitutional standards for inmate care. When correctional staff ignore medical needs or fail to respond appropriately to emergencies, surviving relatives may pursue legal action against the responsible parties and government agencies overseeing the facility.
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Jails need to meet standards for inmate care.
If your loved one died while in jail due to negligence, a Columbia wrongful death lawyer from Simmons Law Firm may be able to assist you. We are prepared to review your case in an effort to obtain justice for your loved one. Schedule a consultation today to learn more. Call (803) 779-4600 or fill out the online form.
Source:
wspa.com/news/upstate-jail-facing-another-wrongful-death-lawsuit/
