California nurse sues county over fingertip bit off by jail inmate

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By Associated Press

REDDING, Calif. (AP) — A nurse is suing Shasta County after a jail inmate brought to the hospital for a mental-health evaluation bit off her fingertip during a fight.

Joyce Green says sheriff's deputies didn't properly supervise the inmate at Redding's Shasta Regional Medical Center in May.

Green's attorney, Art Morgan, says his client was helping to restrain inmate Dorian Buckner when she bit off the tip of Green's index finger.

Morgan says deputies failed to follow procedures to shackle patients, keep guards nearby and warn hospital employees of possible dangers.

Sheriff's Capt. Don Van Buskirk says it's up to the hospital to provide security.

Buckner pleaded guilty in October to misdemeanor battery for biting the nurse. She was placed on probation.

(Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.)

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