Family of Amanda Cahill Files Federal Lawsuit After Jail Overdose
McEldrew Purtell has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of the family of Amanda Cahill, a 31-year-old mother who died in September 2024 of a suspected fentanyl overdose while incarcerated at the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center (PICC). The complaint alleges that Ms. Cahill, arrested during a coordinated enforcement sweep in Kensington, obtained fentanyl inside the jail and did not receive adequate monitoring or medical care despite clear signs of distress. The suit seeks at least $10 million in damages.
Attorney John Coyleâs role
Attorney John Coyle of McEldrew Purtell represents Ms. Cahillâs mother and two children. As lead counsel, Mr. Coyle is pursuing accountability for the systemic failures alleged in the complaint. Failures that, according to the lawsuit, include chronic understaffing, lapses in cell checks, and the presence of illicit drugs inside the facility.
What the lawsuit alleges
- Ms. Cahill was arrested during a September 2024 Kensington sweep, evaluated at a hospital, and transferred to the city jail complex.
- In the early morning hours of September 7, she reportedly cried out for help from her cell; she was found unresponsive around 7:45 a.m.
- Toxicology findings cited in the complaint indicate fentanyl use within hours of her death – supporting the allegation that the drug was obtained while she was in custody.
Why this case matters
People in custody depend on jail staff and contracted medical providers for basic safety and care. When those obligations are not met, the consequences can be catastrophic. Through this lawsuit, McEldrew Purtell seeks justice for Ms. Cahillâs family and broader reforms to improve safety, monitoring, and access to evidence-based treatment for individuals struggling with addiction while incarcerated.
If you or your family have concerns about a jail, prison, or detention-related death or a failure to provide medical care in custody, our civil rights and wrongful death team – led in this matter by Attorney John Coyle – is available to speak confidentially.
Contact McEldrew Purtell at (215) 545-8800 or submit a message through our secure form to schedule a free consultation.
Allegations described above are based on publicly filed claims.
Related article: Woman died from suspected overdose in jail days after Kensington sweep, lawsuit says
