Pubdate: Wed, 12 Nov 2014
Source: Boston Globe (MA)
Copyright: 2014 Globe Newspaper Company
Contact: http://services.bostonglobe.com/news/opeds/letter.aspx?id=6340
Website: http://bostonglobe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/52

$3M AWARDED AFTER ADDICT DIES IN CALIFORNIA JAIL

SAN DIEGO - San Diego County must pay $3 million to the family of a 
heroin addict who died of an asthma attack while detoxing in jail, a 
federal jury determined.

The California county and two nurses violated Daniel Sisson's civil 
rights, jurors found Monday. They specifically faulted the county's 
method of checking jail cells and how it trains staff to deal with 
inmates who are detoxing from drug addiction, U-T San Diego reported.

Sisson's parents had sued the Sheriff's Department and the California 
county on various claims, including wrongful death and cruel and 
unusual punishment.

The 21-year-old was on probation when he was arrested on a heroin 
possession charge and ordered back to the Vista jail on June 23, 
2011, according to court records. He was found dead in his bunk two days later.

A forensic pathology specialist testified during the trial that 
Sisson died of an asthma attack caused by the symptoms of heroin withdrawal.

The county's lawyer, Kevin Kennedy, told jurors that Sisson lied 
about using drugs when he was booked into jail and refused medical 
treatment at one point.

The family's attorney, Christopher Morris, said they hope the verdict 
will encourage authorities to have "a serious conversation" about 
updating policies and procedures for training jail staff.

"More than anything, the family wants this case to be a catalyst for 
change," especially with respect to detoxing inmates, he said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom