Pubdate: Mon, 09 Oct 2006
Source: Burlington Free Press (VT)
Copyright: 2006 Burlington Free Press
Contact:  http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/632

FAMILY OF HEROIN-ADDICTED INMATE WHO DIED IN JAIL SUES OVER CARE

RUTLAND, Vt. -- The family of a heroin addict who died in jail is 
suing the state, claiming he wasn't properly treated for withdrawal 
symptoms after being arrested.

The lawsuit was filed last week on behalf of the estate of Robert 
Nichols, of Brandon, who died died Feb. 5, 2005, at the Chittenden 
Regional Correctional Facility, in South Burlington. It names the 
state and medical contractor Prison Health Services as defendants and 
seeks unspecified damages, claiming proper procedures weren't 
followed when Nichols went into withdrawal in jaul.

"Mr. Nichols reported that he was suffering from heroin withdrawal, 
and that he had ingested eighty (80) bags of heroin within three days 
of being incarcerated," the lawsuit said. "He was not given immediate 
medical attention."

Assistant State Attorney General David Groff didn't have any specific comment.

"The lawsuit was just served recently and we're preparing our answer 
at this time," Groff said.

Nichols' widow, Eva Nichols, is represented by attorney Devin McLaughlin.

Nichols was arrested Feb. 3, 2005, on federal firearms charges. The 
next morning, he was brought to the South Burlington jail before 
being taken to federal court, where he was too sick to go before a judge.

That night, he saw a nurse from Prison Health Services, the lawsuit said.

"This was approximately 16 hours after first arriving at the facility 
with obvious withdrawal symptoms. Mr. Nichols was not seen by a 
doctor or referred to an outside facility," according to the lawsuit. 
"Rather, he was returned to his cell after apparent administration of 
some medication. He was not sent to a medical bed or facility."

Nichols told the nurse that he had vomited three times and had a 
fever and tremors. Fifteen-minute checks were ordered.

Nichols was found dead just before 6 a.m. the next morning.
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