DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Corrections Department has dropped an appeal and paid $325,000 to a prisoner who accused staff of deliberately ignoring his chronic joint pain.
Spokesman Chris Gautz says officials still don’t agree with the jury’s verdict but believe they wouldn’t win an appeal.
Temujin Kensu sued many officials in 2013, including a doctor who was chief medical officer. Kensu said he failed to get shoulder surgery and other joint care, despite recommendations.
A jury in Detroit federal court awarded him $325,000 last year. Much of the award came in the form of punitive damages, a sign that jurors found extraordinary misconduct in Kensu’s care.
Kensu is serving a life sentence for a murder conviction in St. Clair County.
