Wrongful Death by Police or Jail Misconduct: Fighting for the Truth

No family should ever lose a loved one at the hands of law enforcement or in the custody of a jail that failed to provide basic care. When a person dies due to excessive force, neglect, or deliberate indifference by police, sheriffs, or jail staff, that loss is not only tragic—it is often preventable.

At Contreras Law, we help families navigate the painful aftermath of a wrongful death involving police brutality, jail neglect, or systemic abuse. Our mission is to uncover the truth, hold those responsible accountable, and obtain justice for grieving families.

What Qualifies as Wrongful Death by Law Enforcement?

A wrongful death occurs when someone is killed due to the negligence, misconduct, or intentional actions of another. In the context of law enforcement, wrongful death may result from:

• Unjustified police shootings
• Deaths from chokeholds or excessive force
• Fatal injuries during arrests or traffic stops
• Denial of medical care in jail or custody
• Inmate suicide following neglect or isolation
• Overdose or health crises ignored by jail staff
• Fatal beatings or assaults by law enforcement
• Failure to intervene by other officers or staff

These are not accidents. They are failures of duty—and the legal system must hold them accountable.

Legal Remedies for Families

Under California's wrongful death statute and 42 U.S. Code § 1983, families can bring civil claims against individual officers, police departments, correctional facilities, private jail contractors, and other responsible parties.

Surviving family members may be eligible to seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support from the deceased
• Loss of love, companionship, and guidance
• Emotional trauma and grief
• Pain and suffering endured by the victim before death (in a “survival action”)
• Punitive damages in cases of willful misconduct

Contreras Law will help your family understand your rights and pursue the compensation and closure you deserve.

Why These Cases Matter

When law enforcement or jail personnel are not held accountable for wrongful deaths, the system continues to fail others. Pursuing a claim is not just about financial recovery—it’s about transparency, change, and justice.

Our firm is committed to:

• Investigating deaths independently from internal police reviews
• Challenging fabricated reports or attempts to shift blame
• Working with pathologists, medical experts, and use-of-force specialists
• Filing strategic legal actions to push for reform and accountability
• Giving grieving families a powerful voice in the legal system

We know how difficult it is to confront a powerful agency during your time of loss. But we are here to stand with you every step of the way.

Why Families Trust Contreras Law

Contreras Law has represented numerous families affected by law enforcement abuse and wrongful deaths in custody. We are known across California for our integrity, relentless litigation strategies, and client-centered approach.

Our wrongful death team offers:

• Personalized attention and respectful communication
• Deep knowledge of civil rights and government liability law
• Relationships with top forensic and investigative experts
• A record of results in complex, high-stakes cases
• A commitment to social justice and lasting impact

When your family is seeking answers, we will not stop until the truth comes to light.

What To Do After a Death in Police or Jail Custody

Time is critical in wrongful death cases involving law enforcement. If your loved one died during or after a police interaction or while in jail:

1. Request all records—police reports, autopsy, body cam footage, jail logs
2. Preserve evidence—photos, texts, medical history, names of witnesses
3. Do not rely solely on official explanations—independent investigation is key
4. Contact Contreras Law immediately to protect your family’s rights

There are strict deadlines for filing wrongful death and civil rights claims in California. Acting early allows us to begin building a strong and timely case.

We Represent Families Across California

Contreras Law handles wrongful death cases throughout Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, San Diego, Orange County, and beyond. Whether the death occurred in a city jail, county sheriff’s department, or during a routine stop gone wrong, our attorneys will fight tirelessly for justice.

You don’t have to go through this alone. We are here to help your family seek the truth—and demand change.