Civil Complaint Filed for Paralysis of Anthony Wright while at Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center in San Bernardino County, California

CHICAGO (April 17, 2025) – Anthony Wright has been rendered quadriplegic because of the excessive force and unreasonable actions of guards at a local jail in San Bernardino, California, completely depriving and violating his rights while he was in pre-trial detention. Anthony is a husband and father of three who had not been convicted of any crime and was in the custody of the San Bernardino County, California Sheriff’s Department. He collapsed in an outdoor section of the center after correctional officers locked him and eighty other detainees outside in the heat without shade or water, and then was physically assaulted by guards, which broke his neck and paralyzed him. This tragedy has forever changed not only Anthony’s life, but the lives of his wife and three children, who no longer have a healthy and active husband and father. Today, national civil rights trial firm Romanucci & Blandin and the Law Offices of Christian Contreras announce the filing of a lawsuit holding those responsible accountable.

Case Background

On April 25, 2023, Anthony, along with 80 others, was forced to stand outside in the scorching sun on a concrete courtyard without water or shade, in clear violation of policy. Detainees begged officers to be let inside, visibly suffering from the heat, but guards ignored them. Eventually, Anthony collapsed from dehydration and heat exhaustion. A guard came upon him, but instead of helping him, the guard violently yanked Anthony up with such force that his head slammed onto a fixture, breaking his neck, while multiple other officers stood nearby, watched, and did not intervene. Anthony is now permanently paralyzed from the neck down.

The conduct of Defendants was reckless, inhumane, and in clear violation of basic rights, demonstrating deliberate indifference to the suffering of those in their care. Their actions, or willful inaction, directly resulted in unnecessary harm, suffering, and permanent injury, making them fully accountable for the consequences that followed.

Lawsuit Details

The lawsuit was filed April 15, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and demands a trial by jury.  Defendants in the complaint include San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, a public entity; San Bernardino County, a public entity; Sheriff Shannon Dicus, individually; Captain James Williams, individually; and Does 1-10, individually.

Plaintiffs are Anthony Wright and his wife, Nicoya Wright, individually and as guardian Ad Litem for their three young children. The plaintiffs are represented by the Chicago-based national trial law firm Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, Attorney Sam A. Harton, along with Attorney Christian Contreras of the Law Offices of Christian Contreras, PLC, a respected personal injury firm in California. 

Claims in the lawsuit include excessive force, harm caused by conditions of confinement and medical care, failure to protect from harm and failure to intervene and interference with parent/child relationship. Further, the complaint alleges municipal liability, supervisory liability, negligence, violation of Civil Code and Bane Act and Violation of Government. The complaint demands a jury trial.

“The unconstitutional conditions and actions experienced by Anthony Wright not only changed his life forever, but also those of his wife and three children. They will all feel the painful reverberations of that day for the rest of their lives. It is our aim that this legal action creates some sense of justice for this family for what each of them have and will continue to endure,” said Attorney Sam Harton.

“The officials and institutions of San Bernardino County violated the trust placed in them and they must be held accountable. The treatment of Anthony Wright was patently excessive, unreasonable and inhumane. These municipal entities and employees must do better for the people in their care,” said Attorney Christian Contreras.

“Anthony is now unable to move or feel from the shoulders down, and this has not only affected him but has also deeply impacted our family. Our children, who once looked up to him as a hero, now see their father struggling with daily tasks that many of us take for granted. Despite these challenges, Anthony remains an incredible source of strength and inspiration. He continues to be an active part of our children’s lives, finding ways to engage with them. His spirit is unbroken, and he teaches our kids about resilience, love, and the importance of being there for one another. No one should have to endure what Anthony has gone through. I am speaking today to raise awareness and be a voice for Anthony while he cannot be a voice for himself,” said Nicoya Wright, plaintiff and wife of Anthony Wright.

About Romanucci & Blandin, LLC

Romanucci & Blandin is a Chicago-based national trial practice committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse and wrongful death. For 25 years, we have secured more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients - many for millions of dollars and others record-setting awards.  Our experience ranges from mass shootings, civil rights and police misconduct to medical malpractice, sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents or workplace injury cases involving individual or institutional negligence. Romanucci & Blandin is a valuable legal resource to individuals and groups of people who have been injured by others’ wrongdoing. Referring attorneys and clients say several factors differentiate our firm: Our record of success, depth of experience, talented and dedicated legal team, tireless preparation and strategic use of communications to fight for the rights of those whose lives have been changed forever. We are different from other personal injury firms in that our work does not stop when a verdict or settlement is secured.  We are often inspired by our clients’ experiences and commit resources to create change in our communities. For more information about Romanucci & Blandin, please visit www.rblaw.net or call (312) 458-1000.

About the Law Officers of Christian Contreras, PLC

The Law Offices of Christian Contreras, PLC (www.Contreras-Law.com) is a civil rights law firm serving the entire State of California. The Law Offices of Christian Contreras, PLC has obtained historic verdicts and settlement totaling over $150 million in the last five (5) years alone. The Law Offices of Christian Contreras, PLC specializes in police shooting cases, jail death cases, and catastrophic injury cases. To contact the Law Offices of Christian Contreras, PLC call (323) 435-8000 or visit www.Contreras-Law.com.