Asked by user in Texas. Answered by Enjuris Editors.
I'm so sorry this is happening to your friend.
Inmates have a right to health care under the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits "cruel and unusual punishment."
Here are the steps your friend should take:
Step 1. Submit a sick call describing her symptoms and requesting treatment. Sick call forms should be available in her housing unit. Sick call requests must be answered within 48 hours.
Step 2. If the sick call is not answered, your friend should submit an I-60 form (also available in her housing unit).
Step 3. If the I-60 form isn't answered, your friend should submit a "step 1 grievance form." Your friend can learn how to do that here. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has 40 days to answer the step 1 grievance. If the step 1 grievance isn't answered in 40 days or she's not satisfied with the response, she may file a "step 2 grievance form." A step 2 grievance must be answered within 35 days.
Step 4. If your friend hasn't received a satisfactory response after 35 days, then she has "exhausted all administrative remedies," and she's allowed to file a lawsuit. To file a lawsuit, I would recommend reaching out to the Texas State Bar lawyer referral service.