Restraint-Related Asphyxia in Jail: Proving Causation and Defeating Summary Judgment

Restraint related asphyxia is a topic that’s often discussed in the context of police brutality cases. The death of George Floyd is a perfect example. And, unfortunately, there are many other such examples. Restraint related asphyxia in excessive force cases can occur when police officers interfere with a person’s ability to breath (or when they […]

Obtaining Sanctions for Destruction of Evidence in Jail Death Cases

“Spoliation” is the destruction of evidence, or the failure to preserve evidence, for pending or future litigation. When a defendant destroys or fails to preserve evidence in a pending case, that defendant can face serious consequences. And the principles surrounding spoliation don’t necessarily depending on the presence of existing litigation. Rather, the obligation to preserve […]

Wrongful Death in Jail: Suing for Inmate on Inmate Assaults

Jails and prisons are dangerous places. Violence among inmates is not uncommon. That said, state and local correctional facilities have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect inmates from foreseeable harm by other inmates. And when someone is seriously hurt or killed because the prison or jail breaches this duty, they (or their estate) […]

Jail Death Cases in Colorado: Finding Experienced Attorneys

Finding Experienced Attorneys for Jail Death Cases in Colorado The attorneys at Budge & Heipt are nationally-known for their work representing family members of people who have wrongfully died in jails and prisons. Our jail and prison death attorneys are admitted to the United States District Court for the District of Colorado and have handled […]

Jail Death Cases in Nevada: Finding Experienced Attorneys

Finding Experienced Attorneys for Jail Death Cases in Nevada The attorneys at Budge & Heipt are nationally-known for their work representing family members of people who have wrongfully died in jails and prisons. Based in Seattle, our jail and prison death attorneys have handled prison death litigation in federal courts throughout the United States, including […]

Jail Death Cases in Alaska: Finding the Right Attorneys

Finding Experienced Attorneys for Jail Death Cases in Alaska The attorneys at Budge & Heipt are nationally-known for their work representing family members of people who have wrongfully died in jails and prisons. Based in Seattle, our jail and prison death attorneys have handled prison death litigation arising in Alaska, and are available to consult […]

Seattle Police Brutality and Excessive Force Lawyers

Based in Seattle, and practicing together in Washington State for more than 25 years, Ed Budge and Erik Heipt are preeminent attorneys for victims of police brutality and their families. The attorneys at Budge & Heipt have obtained millions of dollars for victims of excessive police force in and around Seattle and Washington State. Our […]

The Use of Deadly Force by Police Officers: Can Internal Investigations Be Trusted?

When a police officer uses deadly force against a citizen, there will almost always be an internal investigation. Often the investigation will be conducted by the very police agency employing the officer who used the force. Sometimes a different police agency, or even several police agencies, will conduct the investigation. Either way, police investigations of […]

Jail Deaths Involving Pretrial Detainees: Arguing for a Less Demanding Standard of Proof in Cases of Medical Neglect

Federal civil rights cases involving the deaths of those confined in jail or prison can be analyzed under either the Eighth Amendment or the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Eighth Amendment, which prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment,” applies to the rights of convicted prisoners. The Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees “due process,” applies to […]

If you or a loved one has been a victim of serious injury and/or death at the hands of police or in jail or prison, tell us about your case.