Associated Press
FARMINGTON, N.M. — Several San Juan County prison inmates are suing the jail over claims they were left injured or in pain after being denied basic medical care.
The Daily Times in Farmington reports that 18 current and former San Juan County Adult Detention Center inmates filed a complaint earlier this month in state district court.
In the April 17 complaint, they allege the jail’s health care providers displayed a “severe and deliberate indifference” to their medical needs.
The inmates are asking for financial compensation as well as court-mandated changes in jail policies, training and procedures.
San Juan Regional Medical Center and Correctional Healthcare Companies, Inc. oversee medical care at the jail.
Medical center spokesman Haroon Ahmad says the hospital does not discuss ongoing lawsuits but does plan to “vigorously defend” itself.