Devastating Police Crash Claims Life of 76-Year-Old Dementia Patient in South Carolina: Lawsuit Claims Negligence

A lawsuit has been filed alleging that the West Columbia police neglected to ensure that 76-year-old Eddie Dean Bigham, who was suffering from dementia, was properly restrained with a seat belt following his arrest. This failure reportedly resulted in a fatal accident that left him with grave injuries. Bigham's family is pursuing legal action, asserting claims of negligence against both the authorities and the driver connected to the incident. They seek accountability for what they describe as a breach of duty, emphasizing the importance of proper safety measures, particularly for vulnerable individuals like Bigham. The situation highlights critical concerns regarding protocol adherence during police interactions and raises vital questions about the responsibilities of law enforcement in securing the safety of those in their custody. The family's pursuit of justice underscores the call for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies of this nature.