What are an inmate’s rights to medical treatment?
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What are an inmate’s rights to medical treatment?
My fince is in jail; at the present time and has a injury to his head. He has a whole in the back of his head that is about a quarter inch deep and when he goes to touch it it automatically makes his head and eyes hurt like he has a really bad headache. He asked to seek medical treatment at the jail and they took him to the doctor and he was suppose to get a cat scan and blood work done but they are refusing to run those tests and are also refusing to seek other medical treatment. All they have been doing is to give him Tylenol for the pain. He would like to look into a possible law suit. Should he have me contact a personal injury attorney In Northumberland County, PA.
Asked on February 10, 2011 under Personal Injury, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Generally speaking an inmate is entitled to what is known as "adequate" medical treatment under the law. Inmates are entitled to medical care and attention as needed to treat both short-term conditions and long-term illnesses. These are basic Constitutional Rights. I think that you should maybe speak with an attorney about obtaining him treatment and his rights under the circumstances rather than a personal injury attorney at the time being. The personal injury case may be viable later but you really have no idea what the long term damages will be at this point in time. Speak with his attorney in the criminal matter for a referral to an attorney that can help with this.
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