Shawnee Jail Death & In-Custody Injury Attorney

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

Why Do Inmates Die in the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center?

Oklahoma jails, including the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center, 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 Pottawatomie County District Court

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

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

FAQ for Shawnee Families

Where is the lawsuit filed?

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

Who investigates the death?

The OSBI often investigates deaths in the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center, but their reports can be sealed for months. We conduct our own independent investigation.