Negligence and Fentanyl Overdose in Jail: Family Awarded $3M in Compensation

Negligence often strikes when you least expect it. In California, public institutions—especially jails—have a legal duty to protect those in their custody. When that duty is neglected, and proper care, supervision, or medical attention is not provided, the consequences can be devastating.

That’s exactly what happened at the Orange County Jail. In a troubling case of institutional failure, a man died of a fentanyl overdose while in custody, raising urgent questions about how such a deadly substance entered a secure facility, and why no one intervened in time.

This case highlights two increasingly serious issues in California: the growing presence of fentanyl inside correctional facilities, and the lack of effective safeguards by those entrusted with inmate safety. Combined, these failures constitute deadly negligence.

In this blog, we’ll explore the details of this case, how fentanyl impacts a wrongful death and personal injury lawsuit, and the legal options available to families seeking justice after such a loss.

If you or a loved one has been affected by negligence, Adamson Ahdoot is here to help. Call (800) 310-1606 today for a free consultation with an experienced injury lawyer.

What Happened at the Orange County Jail?

The events took place in March 2022 at the Theo Lacy Correctional Facility in Santa Ana, California. There, 28-year-old Joshua James Campos, a Hispanic man with a documented psychiatric history, died after overdosing on fentanyl in his prison cell.

Campos was taken into custody on March 4, 2022. During his initial medical evaluation, he reported having schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as a history of multiple psychiatric hospitalizations. Despite these conditions, he was placed in the general population and prescribed medications such as Depakote, Haldol, and Zyprexa.

On March 7, correctional officers saw Campos and his cellmate handling an unidentified object. Shortly after, both men inhaled a substance and laid down. When the cellmate realized Campos was unresponsive, he alerted staff. Although resuscitation efforts were made and Campos was transported to the ICU Medical Center, he died shortly thereafter. The coroner’s report later confirmed the cause of death as acute fentanyl intoxication.

In 2023, Orange County officials released a report on the circumstances surrounding Campos’ death in custody. His family members argued that the inmate’s mental health required closer supervision. They also cited “systemic failures” in the Orange County jail system that allowed both access to illegal substances and a lack of timely staff response to the medical emergency.

Following these events, the family filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit alleging negligence by jail staff in allowing access to fentanyl. In March 2025, a jury awarded Campos’ family $3.3 million in damages.

The Fentanyl Epidemic: Its Impact on Injury Cases in California

California is facing an unprecedented public health crisis fueled by the fentanyl epidemic. The impact of this synthetic opioid has been devastating. In 2022 alone, the state recorded 6,453 fentanyl-related deaths, accounting for 59% of all drug overdose deaths in California.

This powerful substance, 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, has infiltrated nearly every environment: streets, schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Its low cost and widespread availability have made it one of the most addictive and lethal drugs in circulation. As a result, countless individuals have suffered serious injuries or lost their lives to overdose.

This raises a critical legal question: What is the responsibility of facilities or staff when such incidents occur? If a person overdoses in a supervised setting, any failure to prevent or respond may be considered negligence.

As fentanyl use continues to skyrocket across California, many of the most devastating cases share a common thread: a lack of effective protocols and oversight. In these circumstances, victims and their families may have grounds to seek compensation if they can prove negligence.

Suing a Government Entity: What to Know About Public Worker or Prison Negligence

Yes. Public institutions, including jails and correctional facilities, have a legal duty to protect those in their custody. When these facilities allow drugs like fentanyl to enter the premises or fail to respond appropriately to an overdose, they may be liable for negligence. This can open the door to a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

In California, state law allows victims or their families to seek compensation when serious failures in supervision, drug control, or medical care result in injury or death.

At Adamson Ahdoot, we are dedicated to representing victims of institutional negligence. Our mission is clear: to thoroughly investigate each case, hold public institutions accountable, and fight for the justice and compensation our clients deserve.

It’s important to understand that suing a public entity or government employee involves a more complex legal process than a standard injury claim. These cases involve strict deadlines, specialized filing procedures, and legal challenges that require experience and precision. Having an attorney experienced in handling claims against government agencies is essential to the success of your case. A specialized injury lawyer will ensure that your case moves forward correctly from the start.

Lost a Loved One Due to Negligence? We Can Help

We understand the profound pain of losing a loved one, especially when that loss occurs in a setting where safety, supervision, and care should be guaranteed. Whether the result of illegal fentanyl use or negligence within a correctional facility, those responsible must be held accountable.

At Adamson Ahdoot, we stand with victims of institutional negligence and families who have lost someone to a preventable death. We firmly believe that when inaction or misconduct leads to a loss of life, those responsible must face justice.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious harm due to negligence, we’re here to help. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our firm is dedicated to representing victims of personal injury and wrongful death caused by institutional failures.

Let us walk you through your legal rights and options. Schedule a free, confidential consultation today by calling (800) 310-1606 or submitting a consultation request online.