Inmate Sues After Part of Finger Amputated

Gallatin County jail inmate Justin Ricker is suing the detention center's medical provider, saying his finger had to be partially amputated because of improper care.

Ricker filed a lawsuit in Gallatin County District Court against Benefis Spectrum Medical Inc., a nurse and a physician's assistant. Benefis Spectrum Medical did not return a phone call seeking comment.

According to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle , Ricker said he had an infection in his finger that was not properly treated. He blamed the jail's medical staff, saying he had surgery in an unlicensed medical facility, and didn't get anesthesia and proper medications. Ricker had a portion of his right index finger amputated.

Ricker pleaded guilty in 2014 to aggravated burglary and is still in jail on other pending charges.

Reported by the Associated Press