Man blames state Division of Corrections for stroke injuries

CHARLESTON -- An inmate is suing the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Wexford Health Sources after he suffered a stroke.

Dr. Karen Louise Winter was also named as a defendant in the suit.

On Oct. 22, 2009, Richard Hinchman, while an inmate at St. Mary's Correctional Center, reported to the medical department for shortness of breath, according to a complaint filed Dec. 8 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Hinchman claims the following morning he began experiencing weakness and numbness on the right side of his body and reported it to the guard.

The paramedics were finally called at 5 p.m. when Hinchman was found collapsed in the floor, and he was taken to St. Joseph Hospital, where he was diagnosed as having a stroke, according to the suit.

Hinchman claims the defendants failed to take actions throughout the day when he reported having stroke-like symptoms.

The defendants were negligent, careless, willful and wanton, or was with reckless disregard of risk of harm to Hinchman, according to the suit.

Hinchman is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Richard D. Lindsay and Matthew C. Lindsay.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles E. King.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-2198