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This site contains over 2,000 news articles, legal briefs and publications related to for-profit companies that provide correctional services. Most of the content under the "Articles" tab below is from our Prison Legal News site. PLN, a monthly print publication, has been reporting on criminal justice-related issues, including prison privatization, since 1990. If you are seeking pleadings or court rulings in lawsuits and other legal proceedings involving private prison companies, search under the "Legal Briefs" tab. For reports, audits and other publications related to the private prison industry, search using the "Publications" tab.
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$200,000 Verdict for Florida Prisoner in Failure to Treat Epilepsy
Broward County Jail. Upon his arrest, he had a history of epilepsy and
brought his medication with him to the jail. A doctor employed by
defendant Prison Health Services ordered the prisoner to have his
medication.
The prisoner was denied the medication for over 24 hours despite that
order. He then had an epileptic seizure while on his assigned upper
bunk. The prisoner fell from the bunk, causing a lumbar disc herniation.
The jail admitted guilt, but contested the injury occurred from the fall
because it was pre-existing. On October 17, 1996, a jury awarded a
$200,000 verdict, finding the jail 10% negligent, Prison Health Services
40% negligent, and the plaintiff 50% negligent. The plaintiff was
represented by James K. Parker, Jr., Pembroke Pines, Florida. See: Monks
v. Prison Health Services, Broward County Circuit Court, Case No. 95-06561.
Related legal case
Monks v. Prison Health Services
| Year | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Cite | Broward County Circuit Court, Case No. 95-06561. |
| Level | State Trial Court |
| Conclusion | Jury Verdict |
| Attorney Fees | 0 |
| Damages | 0 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |
