Wrongful Death in Prison
There are an estimated 1.5 million people currently incarcerated across the United States. Of these individuals, thousands die each year. While most die of natural causes, some prisoners die from abuse or the use of excessive force.
Though prison is meant to be a punishment for individuals who have committed crimes, prisoners do have rights and should be treated humanely. If your loved one was abused in prison and passed away as a result, contact the Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 610-667-7511.
Types of Prison Abuse
Wrongful death may occur in prisons in a number of ways, almost all of which are forms of abuse. This includes:
- Beatings from prison guards
- Prison guards’ failure to respond to inmates abusing one another
- Malnutrition and starvation
- Unsanitary conditions
Should any of these occur and an inmate dies as a result, the prison may be accountable for his or her death. Depending on the circumstances, liability may lie with individual guards, prison officials, or an overseeing government agency. Families of deceased inmates may be entitled to financial compensation if they can prove that their loved ones were abused during their time in prison.
Contact Us
The Pennsylvania wrongful death attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. believe that the families of inmates who were abused in prison and subsequently died should hold the offending prison accountable for its negligence. If you are in this painful situation, contact us today at 610-667-7511 to discuss your legal options with one of our experienced attorneys.