Urgent Warning for Stillwater Families: The Payne County Jail may delete video footage
quickly (often in 14-30 days).
If your loved one died in Payne County custody, we must send a preservation letter immediately
to stop the destruction of evidence.
Why Do Inmates Die in the Payne County Jail?
Oklahoma jails, including the Payne County Jail, 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 Payne County District Court
To hold the Payne County Sheriff or private jail contractors accountable under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, we must prove "Deliberate Indifference." This means the staff at the Payne County Jail knew your loved one was at risk and chose to do nothing.
We file these cases in federal court or the Payne County District Court depending on the specific claims (Federal Civil Rights vs. State Negligence under the GTCA).