Facts

Jeffrey Gautier suffered from Type 1 diabetes, Addison's disease, hypothyroidism, and hypoglycemic seizures. The seizures began soon after his transfer to Folsom State Prison (FSP) in February 2005 and led him to be treated regularly at the prison infirmary's emergency room. Due to the fact that Gautier needed a higher level of medical care and treatment, defendant P. Sahota, MD, the chief medical officer, submitted a written recommendation that Gautier be transferred to the State Prison Facility at Vacaville in August 2005. Gautier continued to be held at FSP and suffered another seizure attack on Nov. 29, 2005 resulting in a hypoglycemic coma. Sahota predicted that one of the seizure attacks would be fatal and again recommended transfer to Vacaville.

On Feb. 18, 2006, Gautier was found in his cell, unresponsive, and he was transported to an outside medical facility by ambulance. Gautier was released the same day and a physician follow-up was ordered. Despite the request for a medical follow-up, Gautier remained in his cell due to weakness and disorientation until Feb. 21, 2006 when he was carried, unconscious, out of his cell. Within minutes, he was pronounced dead. During the period between February 18th and 21st, Gautier did not receive fluids, meals, or his medications.

The plaintiffs, Gautier's son D.G., and mother Norma Holms, filed suit for negligence.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiffs argued that the defendants were negligent in not treating Jeffrey Gautier at the appropriate medical facility, resulting in his death.

Injuries

Death of Jeffrey Gautier.

Result

The plaintiffs settled the case for $100,000, which was paid for by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.