When Jails Fail to Protect, Families Deserve Answers.

Deliberate indifference means officials knew of a substantial risk to the inmate's health or safety and consciously disregarded that risk. We prove it by showing: (1) the inmate had an objectively serious medical need, (2) officials were aware of it, and (3) they failed to take reasonable measures. Medical records, incident reports, and grievances are critical evidence.

Yes, both are actionable. County jails are governed by the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause (since pretrial detainees aren't convicted), while prisons fall under the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. The standards are slightly different, but both prohibit deliberate indifference.

Private companies that provide jail healthcare can be sued under Section 1983 because they perform a 'public function.' We often find that profit-driven companies cut corners on staffing and care—and their contracts with the county can reveal damning cost-cutting policies.

You have the right to request autopsy reports, medical records, and incident reports. Through litigation, we can subpoena surveillance footage, staff communications, intake forms, and the jail's policies and procedures. We also interview cellmates and staff.

Under Oklahoma law, the personal representative of the deceased's estate files the lawsuit. Damages are distributed to surviving family members—typically the spouse, children, or parents. We can help you navigate the estate process if needed.

Families can recover funeral and burial expenses, the deceased's pre-death pain and suffering, loss of future income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Punitive damages are available against individual officials who acted with reckless disregard. Under Section 1988, the government pays your attorney's fees if you win.