Family members of a man who died while in custody at the Rockwall County jail have filed a lawsuit in federal court, claiming his death was due to the county’s negligence.
The parents of Michael Galvan, 43, filed the suit in federal court in Dallas against Rockwall County and the private health care provider responsible for inmate care.
Attorney Dean Malone, who is representing Galvan’s family, criticized the jail for failing to act properly when the inmate indicated he was in distress.
“Instead of just taking vitals, immediate EMS intervention should have been sought,” Malone said. “Mr. Galvan’s bizarre behavior was a clear indication of a medical emergency, and multiple staff members were aware of his head injuries.”
According to the suit, Galvan displayed erratic behavior, including talking to himself and attempting to open locked doors, along with displaying difficulties with coordination, according to a news release about the lawsuit.
Over time, Galvan experienced multiple falls that resulted in a serious head injury, yet jail staff merely monitored his vital signs and physical condition without seeking emergency medical help, the lawsuit contends.
It wasn’t until he became unconscious that EMS was finally called, according to the lawsuit.
Galvan was taken to a local hospital where he ultimately died from the head trauma that could have been successfully treated with prompt medical attention, the legal filing says.
