Inmate Lost Half Of His Skull After Jail Allegedly Ignored His Sinus Infection

An Oklahoma inmate lost half of his skull and his ability to communicate. His family alleges that a jail’s negligence is responsible.

According to the family of Robby Valentine, the inmate had a sinus infection that was left untreated. Instead of providing antibiotics, the jail gave Valentine ibuprofen. Without proper medical attention, the infection spread to his brain and forced doctors to remove part of his skull. Now, after three months of hospitalization, he can no longer walk or talk.

“Our lives have changed because one person couldn’t take the time to get him medication,” Robby’s mother, Sandy Valentine, told KFOR News.

An investigation of the unidentified jail is pending. If the allegations are true, the jail would likely be found in violation of the Eighth Amendment, which bans cruel and unusual punishment. In 2011, the Supreme Court ruled that, “[p]risoners retain the essence of human dignity inherent in all persons. Respect for that dignity animates the Eighth Amendment.” As such, “A prison that deprives prisoners basic sustenance, including adequate medical care, is incompatible with the concept of human dignity and has no place in civilized society.” All prisons and jails are required to address inmates’ medical needs.

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/02/06/3620190/inmate-loses-half-of-his-skull-due-to-prison-neglect/