Man sues Fayette County Prison, alleges inadequate medical treatment
A Youngstown man filed suit against Fayette County Prison and various officials, claiming inadequate medical care caused his hand to heal improperly after he was shot trying to run over state police following a bank robbery.
John Paul Currin, 42, stated in the filing last week in federal court that he was brought to the prison on Dec. 18, 2008 — two days after he was shot and had reconstructive surgery to his hand. Currin, who filed the suit on his own behalf, alleged that he was given Tylenol for pain, and a Pittsburgh doctor told him in February 2009 that it would inhibit his bone growth.
Currin alleged he told prison officials but was “ignored” and no one would give him a grievance form to file a formal complaint.
“As a result my hand healed crooked and I have limited use,” he wrote.
Currin was transferred to a state prison following his sentencing in August 2009. He is serving 20 to 40 years in prison for aggravated assault, robbery and other related charges after he robbed a South Union Township bank on Dec. 16, 2008 while his baby was in the backseat of the car.
When troopers tried to stop Currin, he tried to hit them with his truck. A trooper fired a shot to stop the truck that hit Currin in the hand.
The getaway driver in the robbery, Ashley Johnston, 25, of West Newton, pleaded guilty to theft by unlawful taking in 2009 and was sentenced to 23 months intermediate punishment, with 11 ½ months served on house arrest.
Currin is asking for compensation to repair his hand, and $1 million each in compensatory and punitive damages.