Inmate Curtis Duboise (Full Name: Curtis Joseph Duboise) Died Following Medical Emergency At Texas Department of Justice Stiles Unit In Beaumont
JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS (December 26, 2023) - An inmate identified as Curtis Duboise has tragically died at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Stiles Unit in Beaumont.
TDCJ Stiles Unit officials are saying that the incident began on November 23. Curtis Duboise was admitted to the hospital due to his medical condition.
His condition continue to decline at the hospital. Sadly, Curtis Duboise was pronounce dead on December 6. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For TDCJ Stiles Unit Inmate Deaths
Heart related issues remain one of the leading causes of inmate deaths in the United States. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “An estimated 880 jail inmates per 10,000 reported ever having a heart problem, including heart valve damage (290 per 10,000 inmates), arrhythmia (211 per 10,000), and angina (130 per 10,000). About 126 per 10,000 had suffered a heart attack.” There are many steps that jails should take to prevent inmates from dying to heart attacks.
- Jail inmates should get a thorough medical screening when they are first admitted.
- Inmates should be given the opportunity to exercise every day.
- Inmates should have regular health checkups.
- Inmates should be given any medications that they require.
All jails have a legal obligation to provide inmates with reasonably adequate healthcare. Failing to provide inmates with adequate care is a violation of their right to due process and equal protection under the law. When a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of any inmate, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any inmate death.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- The actions of correctional officers leading up to any death should be known.
Inmate deaths are often highly preventable. They tend to happen more often at jails that are overcrowded. Overcrowding can put a heavy strain on the quality of care that all inmates receive. It is important for inmates and their families to understand that they do have rights. The family of any person that died in a jail may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating TDCJ Stiles Unit Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Curtis Duboise. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of this man’s family.
Do you need more information about a TDCJ Stiles Unit inmate death? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 214-987-4100.