HICKS LAW FIRM

Garfield County In-Custody Death Litigation

Death in the Garfield County Detention Facility?

When the Enid or Garfield County government takes someone into custody, they have a Constitutional duty to keep them alive.

Urgent Warning for Enid Families: The Garfield County Detention Facility may delete video footage quickly (often in 14-30 days). If your loved one died in Garfield County custody, we must send a preservation letter immediately to stop the destruction of evidence.

Why Do Inmates Die in the Garfield County Detention Facility?

Oklahoma jails, including the Garfield County Detention Facility, are legally required to provide adequate medical care and protection from violence. Yet deaths continue to happen due to systemic failures:

  • Medical Neglect: Ignoring serious conditions like heart attacks, seizures, or diabetic emergencies.
  • Withdrawal Protocol Failures: Alcohol and opioid withdrawal can be fatal. Leaving an inmate to "detox" in a cell without medical supervision is unconstitutional.
  • Failure to Protect: Placing a non-violent offender in a cell with a known violent predator.

Filing a Lawsuit in Garfield County District Court

To hold the Garfield County Sheriff or private jail contractors accountable under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, we must prove "Deliberate Indifference." This means the staff at the Garfield County Detention Facility knew your loved one was at risk and chose to do nothing.

We file these cases in federal court or the Garfield County District Court depending on the specific claims (Federal Civil Rights vs. State Negligence under the GTCA).

FAQ for Enid Families

Where is the lawsuit filed?

Most jail death cases are filed in federal court, but some claims may proceed in the Garfield County District Court.

Who investigates the death?

The OSBI often investigates deaths in the Garfield County Detention Facility, but their reports can be sealed for months. We conduct our own independent investigation.

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