Cases she takes
Held in a jail, left without care
A jail or prison takes away a person’s freedom. It doesn’t take away their right to medical care, to safety from staff and other prisoners, or to be treated as a person. When those fail, the jail, its medical contractor and the officers involved can answer for it.
Imara represents people who were held in city and county jails and state prisons, and the families of people who died there.
What counts
Medication, insulin or a doctor denied or delayed
Withdrawal or a mental health crisis left untreated
Assault by officers, or a threat staff ignored
A death in custody the family hasn’t had explained
What helps a jail case
- 01
Names and dates
When the person was booked, which unit, and who they asked for help. Family call logs and letters count.
- 02
The grievance trail
Copies or photos of every request and grievance filed. Prisons often require them before a lawsuit.
- 03
Medical records
From the jail and from any hospital after. Imara can request them with a signed release.
- 04
Witnesses inside
Others held in the same unit often saw what happened. Their names matter now, before they’re moved.
What families ask about jail cases
My family member is still inside. Can you help now?
Sometimes. A letter to the jail’s lawyer or the court can get medical care moving before any lawsuit is filed.
Do the grievance rules really matter?
In prison cases, usually yes: federal law requires most prisoners to use the grievance process first. Imara will check what was filed and what’s still possible.
Can a family sue after a death in custody?
Yes, through the person’s estate. Imara works with families to get the records and the autopsy first.
Will suing make things worse for them inside?
Retaliation is itself against the law, and Imara watches for it. Tell her right away if anything changes.
Someone you love went without care inside?
Send Imara the name, the facility and the dates. She’ll call you back and explain what she can do.