Settlement made with prison inmate

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2002 | 9:45 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- An inmate at the Southern Nevada Correctional Center has been awarded a $60,000 out-of-court settlement from the state on his claim of medical malpractice against a prison doctor.

The state Board of Examiners on Tuesday agreed to settle the case of Daniel Adkins, who alleged the doctor showed "deliberate indifference" in the treatment of a dental problem.

Adkins, however, won't see the full $60,000. The board was told that $37,000 is going to James Jackson, Adkins' attorney.

Adkins had dental surgery outside the prison from a private physician. He returned to the prison and saw Dr. Harriston Bass five times. When the physician who performed the surgery examined the inmate, he found an infection. Adkins had to undergo a second surgery in which he had three teeth removed along with a portion of his jaw.

Attorneys for the Board of Examiners said Adkins will need another reconstructive surgery at an estimated cost of $16,000.

In other action, the examiners board, composed of Gov. Kenny Guinn, Secretary of State Dean Heller and Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa:

Guinn and Budget Director Perry Comeaux said this was a standard cost when dignitaries come to Nevada, no matter if they are Democrat or Republican.