Our Florida Inmate Wrongful Death Attorneys Fight for Justice After a Death in Custody
Police officers have a duty to protect the people they serve. Unfortunately, this does not always happen, and people lose their lives while in police custody. At Lauer & Currie, P.A., we represent the families and loved ones of people who die while in police custody. Our Florida inmate wrongful death attorneys are skilled at pursuing justice, and we will fight to obtain the restitution your family deserves.
What is considered police custody?
Police custody is when a person has been arrested or is otherwise under the police officer’s control or authority. If an individual is not free to leave on their own, they are usually considered to be in police custody.
What are examples of misconduct that can lead to death while in custody in Florida?
Many different scenarios can occur, which result in death while in police custody. Some examples include:
- Excessive use of a taser: A police officer may taser a person if they need to restrain them while in custody. However, excessive use of a taser can cause cardiac arrest resulting in death.
- Excessive use of force: While some force may be necessary to constrain an individual, excessive force can result in serious injuries, such as a brain injury resulting in death.
- Unjustified use of a firearm: The unjustified use of a gun or other firearm type can result in death.
- Chokeholds: A chokehold is a term used to describe a hold on a person’s neck, which either stops or significantly reduces blood or airflow flow. Police often use it to constrain a person in custody and may result in death when not used correctly.
- Failure to provide necessary medical care: If an individual is placed in police custody, the officers must provide any necessary medical care, such as for injuries sustained during their arrest and for any drug or withdrawal symptoms.
Who can be held responsible for a death that occurs while in police custody in Florida?
Many different people and entities may be sued for a death that occurs while in police custody, including:
- Law enforcement officers
- Immigration officers
- Prison guards
- Local and state police and sheriff’s departments
- City and state government
- Federal government
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents
- Federal prisons
- Juvenile Detention Centers
- County and state jails and prisons
- Private agencies contracted for prison management
When you meet with a Florida inmate wrongful death attorney at our firm, we will review the facts of your particular case with you and determine who qualifies as potential defendants. We are located in Fort Lauderdale and serve clients throughout Florida’s jails, including those in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade County.
Contact an Experienced Florida Inmate Wrongful Death Attorney At Lauer & Currie, P.A.
If your loved one dies due to police misconduct while in custody, we want to hear from you. These cases require a specialized approach, and we have the experience necessary to bring the perpetrators to justice. Contact our firm to find out how we can help you through this difficult time. You can reach us online or by calling 954-533-4498.