The family of former NFL running back Doug Martin has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Oakland, its police department, and an ambulance company, alleging that law enforcement and emergency medical responders failed to provide adequate care during a mental health crisis that resulted in his death.
Martin's parents, Leslie and Douglas, filed the lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit alleges that their son died from restraint asphyxia caused by Oakland police officers and FALCK NORCAL paramedics' failure to provide timely medical care.
The Incident and Response Timeline
According to the lawsuit, Leslie Martin called paramedics on Oct. 18 after her son began experiencing a mental-health crisis. Martin subsequently fled and hid in a neighbor's basement two doors away, where Oakland Police Department officers located him. The suit alleges that law enforcement officers physically restrained Martin and placed him face down while one or more officers pressed on his back.
When officers turned Martin on his side, he became unresponsive. The lawsuit states that officers believed he was sleeping or pretending to be asleep. The suit alleges that at least one officer requested medical assistance while Martin remained unresponsive, but the response was not immediate enough. According to the family's legal filing, FALCK NORCAL paramedics arrived approximately 15 minutes after the initial call for service was made, and did not promptly provide medical care upon arrival. Martin was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
The Family's Legal Claims
John Burris, the family's attorney, emphasized the circumstances that prompted the emergency response. "They just want to know what happened," Burris stated. "Here's a situation where the mother was calling for help. He was emotionally out of it, and she was calling for help."
Burris further noted the expectations surrounding emergency intervention, stating: "When you call for help and the police come, it's not a death warrant. You don't expect the person to die."
The family's legal team consulted with an independent pathologist, who indicated that restraint asphyxia may have been the cause of death. Martin's parents are seeking damages including wrongful death, hospital and medical expenses, coroner's fees, funeral and burial expenses, loss of support and familial relationship, and other related costs.
Additional Medical Inquiry
Burris disclosed that Martin's mother sent her son's brain to Boston, where the Boston University CTE Center is based, to determine whether he had developed chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition that can only be diagnosed after death. The pathologist indicated that a CTE finding would have no bearing on the cause of death determination, though the family sought additional clarity regarding Martin's brain health.
Official Response
The Oakland Police Department declined to comment on the pending litigation, citing department policy. The Oakland city attorney's office similarly declined to offer comment. Representatives for FALCK NORCAL could not be immediately reached for comment.
Martin, an Oakland native, completed his NFL career with the then-Oakland Raiders in 2018. He previously spent six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who selected him in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He finished his professional career with more than 5,300 rushing yards and was named to two Pro Bowl teams. He played college football at Boise State. In 2016, Martin received a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy after testing positive for Adderall, and announced plans to enter a treatment program.
Why This Matters:
This case raises critical questions about emergency response protocols when mental health crises intersect with law enforcement intervention. The lawsuit highlights potential gaps in coordination between police departments and emergency medical services, particularly regarding response times and the provision of immediate medical care. The allegations suggest that a 15-minute delay in paramedic arrival and subsequent medical attention may have contributed to a preventable death. From a governance perspective, the case underscores the importance of clear operational procedures, proper training in de-escalation and restraint techniques, and accountability mechanisms within municipal emergency services. The family's decision to pursue damages reflects broader concerns about institutional responsibility and the adequacy of current protocols for handling individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. The outcome may influence how cities structure their emergency response systems and the liability exposure municipalities face when coordination between agencies appears inadequate.