FJI, co-counseling with the firm Alan Goldfarb P.A., filed suit on behalf of former federal prisoner Robert Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez was in good health when he entered the federal Bureau of Prisons, but one day he experienced a terrible pain in his hip. Although he complained constantly to the BOP medical staff—none of whom were licensed as doctors in the United States—no diagnostic tests or labs were ordered for him for seven months, during which time Mr. Hernandez writhed in pain. Tests later revealed that Mr. Hernandez suffered from a serious condition which caused him to have two hip replacement surgeries, and complications later required the removal of his large intestines. He was released from prison with permanent disabilities and will be unable to work for the rest of his life. After a three day federal bench trial in Tampa, the judge strongly suggested that the parties engage in further settlement negotiations. A day later, the parties reached a settlement for $600,000, which will enable Mr. Hernandez to get the care and treatment he needs for the rest of his life. Hopefully, in the future BOP medical providers will think carefully before ignoring an inmate’s complaints of severe pain.
See the official press release, and press coverage of this case.