Municipalities throughout the State of California have a duty to keep the people in their charge safe. This includes inmates and detainees at local, state, and federal prisons. Unfortunately, too often, circumstances arise that cause the death of a loved one while they are being housed in a jail or prison. These circumstances often are easily avoidable.
The San Bernardino jail death attorneys at Skapik Law Group passionately believe that powerful institutions need to be held responsible when they are to blame for the death of a loved one. Read about our recent $3.5 Million settlement against Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility.
Our team is passionate for and committed to achieving justice for our clients and their families when a loved one dies or is killed in jail. This passion for the constitutional rights of the members of our communities is what drives us every day.
Skapik Law Group is located at 5861 Pine Ave A-1, Chino Hills, CA 91709, not far from the Chino Hills Dog Park. Contact us now or can and speak to an attorney today at (909) 398-4404.
Our clients know that we are prepared to fight for them at every step of the way, and they tell their friends and family members about our work. One client writes: “Ms. Skapik was very professional in the handling of my case and always returned my phone calls when I had questions. I was fortunate to have been referred to her by a friend.”
Contact us to schedule a FREE consultation at (909) 398-4404 or through our contact form.
Penal institutions need to do much more than simply protect inmates from assaults by both wardens and fellow inmates. When one is incarcerated, they have numerous rights under the United States Constitution, federal law and California law. Just because one is convicted of a crime and imprisoned does not mean that one’s legal rights are not respected. In some cases, people who are in custody may die due to wrongful actions or conditions. When that happens, the decedent’s family may be able to file a lawsuit for that wrongful death.

With more than 30 years of experience, the Skapik Law Group has been a trusted voice for victims of civil rights violations across California. Our attorneys have successfully pursued cases involving wrongful arrests, police misconduct, and in-custody deaths – securing justice and winning numerous seven-figure settlements for our clients.
Recognized by top publications including the Los Angeles Times and the Daily Journal, and supported by strong ratings on Google and Avvo, our firm is known for both results and integrity. At the Skapik Law Group, we bring proven courtroom experience together with a deep commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of those we serve.
Every year, more than 200 inmates die in California prisons. In 2022, the number of people who died in California jails reached an all-time high. The largest proportion of deceased inmates were those who were awaiting trial, contradicting conventional wisdom that the majority of people who die in prison are older and long-time inmates.
Causes of jail deaths in California can include:
Contact us to schedule a FREE consultation at (909) 398-4404 or through our contact form.

Even if prison guards were not the direct cause of an inmate’s death, the penal institution can still be legally responsible for what happened. The family may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the jail and/or the entity that owns and operates it.
If your loved one wrongfully died in a penal institution, you can take immediate legal steps that could result in compensation for their family. Reach out to the San Bernardino jail death attorneys at Skapik Law Group today to learn more about how you may be able to get accountability and justice. You can speak with a jail death lawyer by contacting us through our website or calling us today at (909) 398-4404. Our lawyers also serve clients in Upland, Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and Montclair.