Doctors are required to protect the health and safety of the patients they treat. But how does this requirement apply to prisoners? This issue is currently at the heart of an Indiana medical malpractice lawsuit.
Reports indicate that a prisoner at the Rockville Correctional Facility informed doctors at the prison that she had undergone an operation to change her gender from male to female. The procedure required hormone replacement therapy and the use of a vaginal stent to prevent complications. However, prison medical staff determined the hormones and the stent were not necessary. The latter was even determined to be a security issue.
An article from USA Today explains the prisoner developed complications and filed an Indiana medical malpractice lawsuit against the prison and it’s staff. She claims the negligent care she received resulted in the need to undergo a corrective surgery that could cost as much as $120,000. The courts initially dismissed the case, but the decision was overturned on appeal and is currently in litigation.
At Stewart & Stewart Attorneys, we are aware of the importance of holding doctors, hospitals, and medical staff to ethical standards. That’s why our Indiana personal injury lawyers are hopeful a decision in this case will establish a case precedent for medical care for incarcerated people.