Legal Question in Family Law in Louisiana

My husband is incarcerated in a state prison in Louisiana. He has kept a clean record for the two plus years he has been there. This past week I recieved a call from an inmate at the facility informing me that my husband had been taken to the hospital. That was all the information he had to give me. I immediately called the prison to ask what was wrong with my husband. I never once asked where he was because I know that was information they would not give to me. I never expected to be treated like I was asking for the code to get into the white house. I spoke to nine different people from Friday night until Monday afternoon. The most information I was given was that "He's not dead" and "He is in the hospital". I was never rude, just very concerned. I was treated very rudely by all but two to of the people on the phone. When I finally spoke to the medical director on Monday afternoon, she let me know his condition and what the problem was. As his wife, do I not have any rights when it comes to my spouse being hospitalized? What is the point of him having emergency contact information? Is it just so I can go pick up his body if he is dead? I spoke to an assistant police cheif in a larger city and also the local detention center in my own town. Both were shocked by the way this prison handled this situation. Please tell me what rights I have when it comes to the medical condition of my husband. I can't go through another episode like I had to this weekend.


Asked on 3/15/11, 3:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Martha Amanda Mandi Lucas Mandie Seale Lucas

It is very unfortunate that your concerns were not met with compassion. Unfortunately, prisoners have few rights other than to be treated humanely. You will not be consulted as to medical care, etc., but it must be provided.

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Answered on 3/15/11, 6:00 pm


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