Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Wayne World, 31, developed patches on his hands while an inmate at a Connecticut correctional facility. He consulted prison doctors and nurses at least a dozen times over the next two years and was prescribed topical creams. His condition worsened, spreading to his arms, back, and face, and eventually covering 90 percent of his body. A biopsy led to a diagnosis of Stage IV subcutaneous T-cell lymphoma. He underwent two bone marrow transplants and has an uncertain prognosis.

World sued the commissioner of the state’s department of corrections, both individually and in his official capacity, alleging liability for deliberate indifference to his medical needs. The plaintiff argued that medical staff should have ordered a timely biopsy when his condition worsened. The defense argued that there was no breach of the standard of care and that World had an unforeseeable and aggressive form of cancer.

The parties settled for $1.3 million.

Citation: World v. Semple, No. 3:16-CV519 (D. Conn. Aug. 20, 2018).

Plaintiff counsel: DeVaughn Ward and Kenneth Krayeske, both of Hartford, Conn.

Plaintiff expert: Francine Foss, lymphoma, New Haven, Conn.