Drug Overdose at a Juvenile Facility Lawsuit Attorney

Drug abuse is a major cause of severe injuries and accidental deaths in correctional facilities for adults and minors. In the last decade or so, the rate of overdose has skyrocketed because of substances like Fentanyl and K2.

Clearly, there is a failure by juvenile hall operators when it comes to protecting children from drug use and overdose incidents. One such facility is Barry J. Nidorf, which had at least 3 overdose events in 2023. One incident resulted in the death of a teenager Bryan Diaz, who was found deceased in his cell from overdosing on drugs that were laced with Fentanyl.

High overdose rates and other indications of neglect and abuse have resulted in the closure of many youth detention centers in California. While we agree with the closures, the bigger issue at hand is holding people accountable when they fail to protect juvenile offenders from harmful incidents. The suffering of these children and their loved ones must be acknowledged, and filing a lawsuit is one way to achieve that goal.

Yes, you can sue a juvenile facility for a drug overdose caused by negligence or misconduct. Generally, these incidents occur from a lack of supervision or deliberate neglect by employees and administrators. Possible damages that can be recovered from a lawsuit include:

• Medical expenses, including cost of drug rehab services
• Value of lost wages for the parent due to their child’s medical needs
• Pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress 
• Legal fees

Lawsuits where a juvenile hall is at fault are extremely complicated, as the failure is likely to involve many individuals. Figuring out exactly where things went wrong requires a thorough investigation, obtaining evidence, and testimony from experts and witnesses.

We mentioned before that failure to supervise juvenile inmates is a big factor in why there are so many overdoses at youth detention facilities. But we have to think of other causes that can lead to these incidents, like understaffing or hiring employees without the proper experience / credentials. In some cases, the staff members are the ones supplying the drugs, often with the intent of grooming and bribing kids into a sexual relationship.

As you can see, there are numerous elements that need to be examined in order to lay the foundation for a lawsuit. That’s why you should consult a juvenile hall overdose attorney as soon as possible.

Parents and other close family members may be entitled to wrongful death compensation for the death of a minor from overdosing on drugs at a California juvenile hall or camp. By filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you can obtain some or all of the following damages:

• Funeral expenses
• Medical costs associated with the decedent’s care following a drug overdose
• Pain and suffering 
• Lost wages / loss of expected savings and benefits
• Loss of consortium 
• Attorney’s fees

Pursuing a claim for wrongful death isn’t really about the money, though it’s reasonable that people should be compensated for the costs they incur due to a death that was caused by someone else. Aside from that, suing the county probation system sends a clear message that failing our children and putting their lives at risk in unacceptable. By taking legal action, you can bring about important changes to the system, including the closure of a facility that should not be allowed to continue operating.

Unlike the average personal injury lawsuit, claims against juvenile halls involve a government / public entity. Government liability claims have a deadline of 6 months from the date of injury or death. In addition, you will need to file a claim with the applicable county rather than suing the facility directly. Your right to file a lawsuit through the court system is based on whether the county agrees to settle your case. If not, there are different timelines for how long you have to file a lawsuit.

These are just some of the issues you will need to be aware of when it comes to a juvenile hall drug overdose lawsuit. A member of our legal team can educate you on the process and ensure that a compensation claim with the appropriate agency is filed on time.

The loss of a child is tragic enough already, but knowing that someone else caused their death is a realization that no parent should have to live with. We are committed to going after the responsible parties and ensuring that justice is served for you and your loved ones.

When you choose DTLA Law Group to represent you, we will provide you with free legal services throughout the entire duration of your case. We have a policy known as the Zero Fee Guarantee, where clients pay $0 out of pocket. Instead, legal fees are recovered once we obtain your settlement, so we have to win your case in order to get paid.

To learn more about us and how we can help you, contact our law firm today. We look forward to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve by law.

Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Drug Use and Overdose at a Juvenile Hall Attorney
Placer County Probation Juvenile Detention Facility Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse at Juvenile Justice Center – San Leandro, CA