Los Angeles Asphyxia and Restraint Lawyer
Justice for Victims of Lethal Police Restraint Tactics in Los Angeles
The death of George Floyd brought national attention to the devastating consequences of lethal restraint techniques used during arrests. But similar tragedies have occurred in our own backyard—from South Los Angeles to Skid Row, Hollywood, and East LA. The disturbing phrase “I can’t breathe” has echoed through our communities, revealing a pattern of asphyxia-related deaths during encounters with law enforcement.
At the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo, we represent victims and families who have suffered the unimaginable—suffocation, brain injury, or death as a result of dangerous and improper restraint methods. If your loved one died or suffered serious injury due to positional asphyxia, compression to the neck or chest, or other forms of suffocation during a police encounter, you deserve answers—and legal accountability.
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“LET ME TELL YOU DALE WON MY CASE BACK IN 2016 AND THAT MAN HELPED ME MORE THAN YALL KNOW! 22 YEARS OLD., He didn’t play me or do anything extra! I can’t thank him enough, cause he fought! HIM AND JOHN! I hope John still works together with him.”
— Verified Google Review from Tkeyah B.
What Is Asphyxia in Police Encounters?
Asphyxia is a medical condition caused by the deprivation of oxygen. In the context of police arrests, it often occurs when a person is restrained in a way that blocks their airway, compresses the chest, or prevents breathing. This can result in:
- Positional asphyxia (caused by body positioning that prevents breathing)
- Neck or chest compression
- Weight applied to the back while prone
- Chokeholds or pressure applied to the trachea or carotid arteries
- Plastic restraints or hoods obstructing airflow
- Delayed medical care after respiratory distress
These methods can rapidly lead to loss of consciousness, traumatic brain injury, cardiac arrest, or death, even when the individual is already restrained and no longer resisting.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Many victims of restraint-related asphyxia are people experiencing a mental health crisis, or those suffering from substance use, trauma, or homelessness. In places like Downtown LA, Echo Park, and North Hollywood, we’ve seen how vulnerable individuals, rather than receiving medical help, have faced lethal restraint.
People of color, particularly Black and Latino residents in Los Angeles, are disproportionately affected by these practices. These deaths are preventable. And when they happen, someone must be held accountable.
Can You Sue for Asphyxia-Related Injuries or Death?
Yes. If your loved one died from suffocation during a police arrest, or if you suffered severe respiratory injuries due to a law enforcement encounter, you may have grounds for a civil rights lawsuit.
To win, we work to prove that:
- The restraint technique used was inappropriate or negligent
- It directly caused asphyxia, injury, or death
- Officers or agencies failed to intervene or provide aid
- The conduct violated constitutional and civil rights
We conduct thorough investigations using:
- Autopsy reports and medical records
Body cam and surveillance footage - Eyewitness statements
- Expert testimony in use-of-force and pathology
A Record of Results in Civil Rights Litigation
With decades of experience litigating police misconduct and wrongful death cases, Attorney Dale K. Galipo has earned a national reputation for standing up to law enforcement agencies. Our firm has helped secure multi-million dollar settlements and jury verdicts for victims of police abuse and negligent in-custody deaths.
Speak with a Los Angeles Asphyxia and Suffocation Lawyer Today
You don’t have to fight this battle alone. If you or a loved one was injured, suffocated, or killed as a result of improper restraint techniques, we are here to help.
Our firm serves clients throughout Los Angeles County, including Compton, Pasadena, Inglewood, Long Beach, and Santa Monica, as well as across Southern California. Let us guide you through the legal process with compassion, strength, and a commitment to justice. Call us today at (818) 347-3333 or submit a confidential contact form today.
