Inmate Alleges Neglect Of Medical Conditions

The company that runs the county jail is being sued on allegations that inattention to an inmate's "serious medical needs" led to his death.

Tennessee-based Corrections Corporations of America is listed as a defendant in the lawsuit filed Tuesday's because its employees were "deliberately indifferent" to Edward Duritsky's medical condition, the lawsuit states.

Duritsky, 53, was booked at the jail Aug. 24, 2007, on a charge of violation of a domestic violence injunction.

The lawsuit says Duritsky complained to staff of high blood pressure and other ailments, but he was sent away with balms and Tylenol. On Dec. 20, Duritsky was being escorted to the visitation area when he collapsed as he approached the telephone, the lawsuit states.

The suit names as defendant a corrections officer who allegedly walked away after watching Duritsky collapse. He's listed as John Doe. A similar accusation is made against a registered nurse named Karen Deloreto, who also looked at Duritsky and walked away, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit asks for unspecified damages on allegations that Duritsky's federal civil rights were violated.