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Man Who Lost Toes Claims Calls For Help In Jail Went Ignored

DENVER (CBS4) - A man says his stay at the Arapahoe County Jail cost him his toes and he is suing.

James Neisler was serving time for a misdemeanor when steel toed boots worn during work release caused a blister.

James Neisler
James Neisler (credit: CBS)

As a diabetic, Neisler knew the small wound needed to be tended to by a doctor. But he claims his repeated calls for treatment went ignored for a month. He says the nurses with the health care company contracted by the jail ignored him and his obvious issues.

"I put in 16 requests over 31 days," he said. "I was getting responses like 'Well just be patient,' or 'You'll be seen tonight.' "

Neisler said his right toe was swollen and twice as large as his left toe, and he he "had a blister on the top and a deeper blood blister on the bottom of my right toe." Soon he said he was bleeding excessively and that the blisters were tearing open.

James Neisler
James Neisler (credit: CBS)

Finally Neisler was transported to Denver Health Medical Center where he knew it was already too late.

"The emergency room staff looked at it and basically told me, 'We think we're going to have to amputate your large toe,' " he said.

Neisler ended up losing all the toes on his right foot. He says the incident has impacted his career, his income, and has hindered his ability to "appreciate life with my children."

James Neisler
James Neisler (credit: CBS)

Neisler's attorney Erica Grossman says the medical company, Correctional Healthcare Companies, has faced similar complaints before.

"They have a history of ignoring very obvious medical conditions," Grossman said.

Grossman says they plan to name specific jail staff in their lawsuit.

The Arapahoe County Sheriff's office says it can't comment on the pending lawsuit.

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