Behind the Verdict: Systemic Neglect or Rare Tragedy?
The court heard how Tapia’s nonverbal state had lasted for weeks. His lawyer claims that rather than being a case of sudden-onset illness, this was a slow, visible deterioration ignored by medical staff. That silence, Dreveskracht argued, was a cry for help muffled by neglect.
The jury sided with that narrative, holding NaphCare liable for creating—or at least enabling—a system that allowed such oversight to fester.
Legal Landscape: County Settles, But Fight Continues
Tapia also brought negligence claims against Pierce County, though those were dropped after reaching a settlement, court records show. His legal team included Dreveskracht, Corinne Sebren of Galanda Broadman PLLC, and Ed Budge of Budge & Heipt.
NaphCare’s defense was led by attorneys David A. Perez, Juliana Bennington, Shae McPhee, and Jacob Dean of Perkins Coie LLP.
What Comes Next: Appeals and Accountability
As NaphCare signals its intent to appeal, legal analysts say the case has already broken ground in holding private correctional healthcare providers accountable under constitutional standards. The size of the NaphCare $25M Verdict—especially the punitive portion—could ripple through the industry, prompting reassessments of practices and oversight in jails nationwide.
In a system where the voiceless often go unheard, this verdict may have amplified a warning shot that rings far beyond a single courtroom.
