Inmate Bryan Pinette (Full Name: Bryan Joseph Pinette) Died Following Medical Emergency At Galveston Jail
GALVESTON COUNTY, TEXAS (December 21, 2023) - A 67-year-old inmate identified as Bryan Pinette has tragically died following a medical emergency at Hospital Galveston.
Galveston County officials are saying that the incident first began on December 2. Bryan Pinette was admitted to the hospital due to his medical condition.
His condition continued to decline over the course of his stay. On December 16, Bryan Pinette was pronounced dead by medical staff.
His medical cause of death was listed as “Septic Shock due to MSSA Bacteremia.” A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Galveston Inmate Deaths
Inmates enter the prison system with a variety of health needs. They are also at greater risk from certain ailments including sepsis. According to the Journal of Correctional Health, “The risk of death among inmates was 2.8 times that of noninmates. Neither age, sex, nor race were significant confounders. Findings suggest a direct association between incarceration and sepsis mortality.” Jails should take a number of measures to prevent inmates from dying due to sepsis.
- Jail officials should be trained to recognize the signs of septic shock.
- Inmates should get a health checkup when they report feeling ill.
- Jails should be kept clean and sanitary.
All inmates have a legal right to receive reasonably adequate healthcare. A jail or private healthcare provider can be held liable if an inmate in their care died. Consider, for example, the tragic death of Rocco “Rocky” Iacovone. He became more and more ill by the day due to septic shock from a bacterial infection. Near the end of his life, he needed assistance to walk. Despite this, jail officials failed to get him proper medical care. Family members eventually reached a wrongful death settlement with the county. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any in-custody death.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be collected.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- An independent autopsy may need to be performed.
Deaths due to septic shock are often highly preventable. They are much more likely to occur at jails where staff are poorly trained. Overcrowding is another major factor that can lead to poor health outcomes. It is important for inmates and their families to understand that they do have rights. The family of any person that died in a Galveston County jail may have legal recourse through a civil claim.
Investigating Galveston Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Bryan Pinette. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that greater oversight of the jails within Galveston County will lead to lasting reform that prevents similar tragedies from taking place.
Do you need more information about a Galveston County inmate death? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that jails are held responsible for their medical neglect and unconstitutional actions. Whether you just have legal questions or would like a free, independent investigation into any particular incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 214-987-4100.