Lyndsey Lason
Lyndsey Lason, 27, died in her cell at the Snohomish County Jail in 2011, about two weeks after she was taken into custody. Her family's lawyer, Royce Ferguson, and forensic pathologist Carl Wigren say she had a lung infection that went untreated, and that jail medical staff and corrections officers ignored her after she complained of breathing problems. Jail records show she was given stool softeners and muscle relaxants, and Wigren said an X-ray would have revealed lung abscesses. The family, who pressed for jail improvements as well as compensation for her son, later settled a $1.3 million damage claim under a written agreement that includes changes at the jail.
Cause of death, as reported: Died from neglect by staff (disputed). Her family's lawyer Royce Ferguson and forensic pathologist Carl Wigren say jail medical staff and corrections officers ignored her lung infection and breathing complaints, and she was given stool softeners and muscle relaxants instead of an X-ray that could have found lung abscesses.
Reported by: Royce Ferguson (family or their lawyers); Carl Wigren (medical examiner or coroner).
Lawsuit: Her family sued over her death in the Snohomish County Jail and settled a damage claim for $1.3 million, with the agreement including jail changes.