James v. Eli, No. 15-3034 (7th Cir. 2017)
Annotate this CaseIn 2007, Dr. Eli examined Indiana inmate James, diagnosed his ingrown toenail as infected, ordered antibiotics, and referred him to a foot specialist. A week later, Eli prescribed additional drugs because of continuing pain. A month later, the toenail was removed. The following month, James, who was taking a narcotic for the continuing pain, fell while “hopping up the steps” and hurt his jaw. Thrice he unsuccessfully requested emergency treatment. A month later his jaw “cracked” while he was eating. X‐rays revealed a fractured left mandible. A plastic surgeon, advised against surgery because of the passage of time since the injury. He recommended a soft diet. Two years later, James filed a pro se suit under 42 U.S.C. 1983, alleging deliberate indifference. James, now incarcerated in Arizona, was unable to recruit an attorney or obtain all of his medical records. The Seventh Circuit vacated summary judgment in favor of the defendants. If a pro se plaintiff in a case like this is unable, despite best efforts, to obtain a lawyer and a medical expert, and if the case would have a chance of success were the plaintiff represented by counsel, the trial judge should endeavor to obtain them for him. It is possible that James has a meritorious Eighth Amendment claim, given his current medical problems, which may be attributable to the injury and lack of adequate medical treatment.
The court issued a subsequent related opinion or order on March 31, 2017.
The court issued a subsequent related opinion or order on April 4, 2017.
The court issued a subsequent related opinion or order on May 2, 2018.
Some case metadata and case summaries were written with the help of AI, which can produce inaccuracies. You should read the full case before relying on it for legal research purposes.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.