Inmate Targets Doctor In Claim

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Stillwater prison inmate who settled a claim with the state Department of Corrections for $130,000 over alleged medical negligence is seeking additional compensation from medical officials.

A St. Paul Pioneer Press report says 32-year-old Erick Fontain Thomas had a medical emergency in 2012 but was left lying on his prison cell floor for hours. Thomas says he suffered neurological damage, and still hasn't regained feeling on half his body.

The settlement released the Department of Corrections and its employees from further claims. But Thomas' attorney, Steve Meshbesher, says other claims remain.

Meshbesher says he plans to file an amended complaint against Corizon Health, the medical group that contracted with the DOC, and the on-call doctor.

Corizon spokeswoman Susan Morgenstern says the company stands behind its record of clinical excellence.