Sioux City Family Sues City, EMS, Police for Wrongful Death

The family of James Joseph Foster Jr., a 26-year-old man who died after being mistakenly injected with the paralytic drug rocuronium instead of the sedative ketamine by Sioux City paramedic Deanna LaMere, has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Sioux City, its police and fire departments, and multiple emergency responders. The lawsuit alleges medical malpractice, wrongful death, excessive force, deliberate indifference to medical needs, negligence in hiring and training, and claims that responders ignored Foster's respiratory distress and failed to provide proper medical intervention. Body-camera footage reportedly shows Foster struggling to breathe and expressing fear, but first responders did not take action to protect his airway, instead restraining him while paralyzed. Foster died two days after the incident, leaving behind two young children and a family seeking damages for lost earnings, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. The city intends to vigorously defend against the allegations, while LaMere faces pending involuntary manslaughter charges related to the case. The lawsuit highlights systemic failures in emergency response protocols and accountability within Sioux City's medical and law enforcement services.