Inmates may suffer from chronic medical conditions such as persistent heart or kidney problems, diabetes, or asthma. They may also suffer from common viral infections, influenza or injuries.

Throughout the duration of a prisoner’s incarceration, it is the correctional facility’s duty to provide adequate medical care. This duty begins upon a prisoner’s admission. When a prisoner is admitted, the correctional authorities will perform an initial screening. This screening should help the correctional facility detect any issues that need immediate attention, such as:

• Illness
• Communicable diseases
• Mental health problems
• Drug or alcohol intoxication or withdrawal
• Ongoing medical treatment
• Risk of suicide
• Disabilities

Generally, if medical treatment is necessary, it cannot be denied to an inmate. The Constitution requires prison officials to provide adequate medical care to prisoners in their facilities. When an inmate is denied medical care or treatment in jail or prison, the correctional officers may be violating the inmate’s civil rights and the Eighth Amendment.

In the landmark case of Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 104-105 (1976), the United States Supreme Court concluded that “deliberate indifference to serious medical needs” of an inmate is an unnecessary and willful infliction of pain.

Medical care that is necessary or for serious medical needs should be provided during the inmates period of imprisonment regardless of:

• a prisoner’s ability to pay
• the duration of the prisoner’s incarceration
• the size of the correctional facility

Prisoners have the right to be free from inhumane punishment or conditions that violate basic human dignity. As such, if you or a loved one were injured or suffered an illness while incarcerated and did not receive proper care or treatment, you should consult with a civil rights attorney immediately. An experienced attorney will help you understand your legal rights.