The lawyers at Budge & Heipt are distinguished in our area of focus: representing victims and their loved ones following death or serious injury that has occurred in jail or prison, as well as cases involving death or serious injury from excessive police force. Due to our experience and focus on these cases, we periodically blog about issues surrounding these cases. Because every case is different, our blog should not be taken as legal advice. To discuss your case specifically, contact our firm.
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 […]
“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 […]
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) […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Jail Deaths and Police Deaths in Washington State:
A “State Law” Case or a “Federal Law” Case?
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 […]
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.