N.M. Inmates Defeated in Federal Court

ALBUQUERQUE (CN) — A federal judge this week dismissed an inmates’ class action accusing the New Mexico state prison in Farmington of medical negligence and Americans with Disabilities Act violations.     U.S. District Judge James Browning found the 26 former inmates of the San Juan County Detention Center failed to state claims that could be granted under the ADA or New Mexico tort law, including negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He also agreed with the county’s immunity defense.     The inmates alleged five types of common injury: denial of necessary prescription medication; denial of access to medical professionals or outside medical facilities; refusal to transport them to a hospital or emergency room for life-threatening conditions; injuries inflicted on them by prison staff; and forced consumption of unprescribed prescription medication.     Browning’s Sept. 20 Opinion and Order disposed of all claims under the ADA and the New Mexico Tort claims Act. He set an Oct. 3 hearing on remaining motions.