An Oglala Sioux woman says in a federal lawsuit that she's suffered a disabling injury after staff at the Indian Health Service hospital in Pine Ridge waited days to remove a dirty sewing needle lodged in her foot.
Karrie Yankton of Pine Ridge is seeking expenses and court-determined compensation in the suit against the federal government alleging medical negligence.
A previous administrative claim for $5 million was denied.
Yankton says she visited the Pine Ridge facility's emergency room in September 2010 for a sharp pain in her heel. She says the sewing needle wasn't removed for several days after staff identified it.
Yankton says the negligence of IHS employees has caused her physical suffering, permanent disfigurement and disability and income loss, among other allegations.
An IHS spokesman says the agency doesn't comment on pending litigation.
Karrie Yankton of Pine Ridge is seeking expenses and court-determined compensation in the suit against the federal government alleging medical negligence.
A previous administrative claim for $5 million was denied.
Yankton says she visited the Pine Ridge facility's emergency room in September 2010 for a sharp pain in her heel. She says the sewing needle wasn't removed for several days after staff identified it.
Yankton says the negligence of IHS employees has caused her physical suffering, permanent disfigurement and disability and income loss, among other allegations.
An IHS spokesman says the agency doesn't comment on pending litigation.