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Claimants press subcommittee for more records; Booth held over, Lynch awarded partial payment
Summary
Two claimants told the claims subcommittee their injuries continue to affect daily life and work. Leonard Booth’s finger claim was held over for additional medical evidence; Victor Lynch received a partial payment after members accepted staff’s calculation deducting preexisting impairment.
Two claimants who had their cases on the subcommittee’s agenda gave testimony that shaped subsequent committee action.
Leonard Deontay Booth joined by Zoom and told legislators his left-finger fracture, sustained while assigned duties, continues to cause pain and limit his ability to perform assembly work; he said he now operates a forklift because of the pain and that he can provide outside medical records, including a medical marijuana card and treating-provider notes. Staff told the panel additional records could change the recommendation, and Senator Westland moved to hold Booth’s claim over for further documentation; the motion passed.
Victor Lynch, who testified in person, described long-standing left-hand limitations from a prior injury and additional trauma while assigned duties that he said left him unable to make a fist or hold utensils. DOC legal staff and counsel reviewed medical records and said they showed sensory loss but limited evidence of new functional loss; staff recommended payment after subtracting an assessed preexisting impairment. The subcommittee approved a partial payment of $6,531.25 to reflect incremental sensory loss attributable to the in-custody incident.
Members repeatedly emphasized that decisions depend on the medical and incident records in the file. Counsel and DOC representatives said missing baseline tests or sparse documentation are common reasons for denials and suggested claimants submit additional records to support disputed elements.
