SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- Details of a recently settled lawsuit, involving a woman who died of of complications from opiate withdrawal after serving time in Schenectady County Jail, provide a snapshot into the days leading up to her death.
The estate of Nicole Carmen was awarded nearly $300,000 after a United States district court judge ruled that she received inadequate medical treatment from Correctional Medical Care.
Carmen was admitted to Schenectady County Jail on April 20, 2013 following a parole violation. She was 39.
Court documents say during her initial assessment, Carmen notified a nurse that she was a heroin addict, using significant amounts daily, and that she expected to go through a difficult withdrawal. Lawyers for her estate say it is protocol for the jail's medical service provider, Correctional Medical Care, to provide 24-hour supervision for inmates who report recent drug use.
On April 21, court documents state Carmen's condition worsened drastically. Lawyers for her estate say her cell was covered in vomit, bile, and feces, yet she received no medical treatment.
On April 22, lawyers say Carmen was unresponsive and exhibiting seizure symptoms. Court documents state upon observation, a nurse stated Carmen was faking illness to get more drugs.
In the following hours, after suffering a stroke, an aneurysm, and a lung infection, the mother of three is finally removed from the jail. She's taken to the hospital and less than a week later, Carmen was pronounced dead.
Lawyers for her estate say Correctional Medical Care failed to provide adequate care and alleviate her symptoms. According to the complaint, the company has been involved in several other lawsuits alleging the mistreatment of inmates suffering from addiction.
Time Warner Cable News did reach out to lawyers for Correctional Medical Care and Schenectady County but received no comment.
Court documents say the settlement money awarded will go to Carmen's three children.