Lawsuit filed after woman dies from allergic reaction in jail

Prison-jail-cell

Golden, CO – The family of a 27-year-old woman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit following her death while in custody at the Jefferson County Detention Center. Ashley Raisbeck reportedly suffered a fatal allergic reaction due to medical negligence, according to court documents.

Raisbeck was arrested shortly before her death for false reporting and was undergoing detox treatment when she experienced severe symptoms after being administered medication. Medical staff allegedly disregarded her known allergy to penicillin, instead administering Keflex, a synthetic version of the drug.

The suit names multiple defendants, including the sheriff’s office and 11 medical personnel. Raisbeck died on December 16, 2023, after experiencing severe gastrointestinal and cardiovascular symptoms linked to the medication, which documented medical records noted she had refused in the past.

Despite prior warnings regarding her allergy, Raisbeck was administered Keflex seven times during her incarceration. In the days leading up to her death, her symptoms worsened significantly, including low blood pressure and increased heart rate.

On the morning of December 16, jail staff discovered Raisbeck unresponsive. Her condition was critical when paramedics arrived at the facility later that morning, and she was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival at the hospital. An autopsy indicated that dehydration and shock from intussusception were contributing factors to her death.

The family’s attorney claims that previous investigations failed to adequately recognize malpractice. The lawsuit emphasizes the responsibility of medical staff to heed Raisbeck’s medical history concerning her allergies.

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