SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A lawsuit filed against Sacramento County alleges that an inmate died after being ignored during “10 days of hell” in the Sacramento jail.
The lawsuit claims that 62-year-old Mario Martinez was in extreme pain and suffered for 10 days before he died in the Sacramento County Main Jail. According to the lawsuit, Martinez reportedly begged for medical care and medical staff ignored his pleas, resulting in his death.
Martinez was arrested on March 23, 2020, and was in custody for 18 days before he passed away. The lawsuit alleges that during his time in custody, Martinez repeatedly asked for help, complaining of pain, swelling, and the inability to walk, but his requests were ignored.
The lawsuit further claims that Martinez’s death could have been prevented if the medical staff had provided timely and adequate care. It alleges that the failure to provide medical attention constitutes a violation of Martinez’s civil rights and constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has declined to comment on the pending litigation. The lawsuit seeks damages for Martinez’s pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages.
The lawsuit brings attention to the treatment of inmates and the responsibility of jails to provide necessary medical care. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing the healthcare needs of all individuals in custody, regardless of their circumstances. The failure to provide proper medical care can have serious consequences, as evidenced by Martinez’s tragic death.