PITTSBURGH – An inmate alleges he was not given appropriate medical care for his seizure disorder while incarcerated at the Allegheny County Jail.
William Holmes filed a complaint on June 6 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania against Allegheny Health Network, Allegheny County and others over allegations of cruel and unusual punishment.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff was incarcerated at the Allegheny County Jail where he had regular seizures. He alleges he was issued a card explaining his need for a lower bunk because of the seizures and the defendants ignored this.
The plaintiff alleges he suffered a seizure on Aug. 29, 2017, and fell out of a top bunk, causing him physical injuries. He alleges he continued to have approximately three to six seizures a day and was finally diagnosed with seizure disorder on Sept. 7, 2017. He alleges he did not receive any additional medication or a cellmate who could call for help if needed.
In September, the suit states the plaintiff made a number of sick call requests to the health care services, but they were ignored. The plaintiff alleges he also filed other complaints to various departments at the jail but they went unanswered.
The plaintiff alleges Allegheny Health Network and Allegheny County were deliberately indifferent to his rights and serious medical needs.
The plaintiff is seeking all reasonable sums due, attorney fees and court costs. The plaintiff is represented by Louis Kroeck.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania case number 2:19-CV-00661