Man sues after losing five toes in jail

CENTENNIAL, Colo. – A man who lost five toes to diabetes while incarcerated at Arapahoe County Jail has filed a lawsuit claiming the loss was caused by a lack of medical care.

The lawsuit filed in federal court alleges that Correctional Healthcare Companies failed to properly provide medical treatment to James Neisler.

The Denver Post reported Saturday that Neisler suffered a broken blister on his right big toe from ill-fitting boots worn while he worked in the kitchen. He said medical staff ignored a serious injury for a diabetic and waited a month last summer before taking him to a hospital.

He was in jail awaiting resolution of misdemeanor domestic violence and drunken driving charges. The domestic violence charge stemmed from a dispute at the burial of his dog Zoe, an Australian shepherd/malamute.

In a response to the lawsuit, Correctional Healthcare Companies claims others outside its control, including Neisler, may have contributed to the injury.

Company officials did not return a call seeking comment.