Did Jail Neglect Cause His Death? Family Files Wrongful Death Claim Against Chemung County

The family of a man who died while incarcerated at the Chemung County Jail has filed a $17 million wrongful death claim, alleging medical neglect and systemic failures led to his death.

The family of a man who died while incarcerated at the Chemung County Jail has filed a $17 million wrongful death claim, alleging medical neglect and systemic failures within the facility led to his untimely death.

The notice of claim, filed by LaTasha Blaney, the administrator of the estate of Douglas E. Blaney Jr., accuses Chemung County, the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple unnamed correction officers of negligence, wrongful death, and constitutional violations. The claim contends that the jail failed to provide adequate medical care, including neglecting to properly assess and monitor Blaney’s known hypertension and cardiovascular disease, ultimately leading to a fatal heart attack.

Blaney, 42, was incarcerated at Chemung County Jail on May 31, 2022, following charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, menacing, and parole violation. Additional weapons charges were later added, and he remained in custody without bail.

According to the claim, upon Blaney’s admission, jail officials failed to conduct a comprehensive medical assessment within the mandated 14-day period, instead relying on outdated records from a previous incarceration in 2021. The lawsuit alleges that this failure precluded early identification of health risks.

Medical concerns reportedly arose in October 2022 when Blaney reported dizziness and high blood pressure after a fall in the shower. Despite repeated sick calls, the claim asserts that vital signs were inconsistently recorded, and his condition was not escalated for further medical evaluation. The Medical Review Board later criticized these lapses, citing a lack of consistent vitals documentation and inadequate screening protocols for hypertension.

On January 4, 2023, Blaney was found unresponsive in his cell. Jail staff and emergency responders attempted CPR and administered Narcan, but he never regained consciousness. He was transported to Arnot Ogden Hospital, where he was pronounced dead three days later. A subsequent search of his cell revealed a plastic bag containing fentanyl, though the claim states that its role in his death remains unclear due to inconclusive toxicology reports.

The claim accuses jail staff of “deliberate indifference” to Blaney’s medical needs, a violation of his Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution. It asserts that inadequate health screenings, failure to monitor symptoms, and neglect of hypertension protocols directly contributed to his death.

Furthermore, the lawsuit cites violations of New York State Correction Law, which mandates adequate medical care for inmates. The Medical Review Board’s investigation reportedly found that jail officials lacked sufficient procedures to assess and treat hypertension and cardiovascular conditions, raising concerns about the standard of medical care provided at the facility.

Blaney’s estate seeks damages for wrongful death, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and punitive damages, alleging gross negligence on the part of Chemung County and its employees. The claim holds the county liable under the doctrine of “respondeat superior”, meaning it is responsible for the actions of its employees.

Chemung County officials have not publicly commented on the claim, citing pending litigation. However, the filing of a notice of claim is typically the first step in pursuing a lawsuit against a municipality. If a settlement is not reached, Blaney’s estate is expected to proceed with formal legal action.