Inmate Claims GEO Group Was Told To Schedule Urgent Surgery, But Delayed…
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Boca Raton-based private jailer “GEO Group” is facing a major lawsuit filed by an inmate who claims the company withheld medical care. Jeffrey Wright, an inmate in the company’s Graceville Correctional Facility in Jackson County, and later South Bay Correctional Facility in Palm Beach County, is seeking damages exceeding $50,000. He claims GEO Group personnel refused to let him see an orthopedic surgeon after his hand was broken — despite orders from another doctor.
According to the lawsuit, West first sustained fractures to his right hand in August 2024 while incarcerated at the GEO-run Graceville Correctional Institution. An outside medical provider recommended surgery, but the complaint alleges GEO staff never authorized or scheduled the procedure.
West was transferred to the South Bay Correctional Institution in December 2024. On Jan. 16, 2025, he fell and fractured his left hand. The suit claims emergency room staff at Lakeside Medical Center recommended an immediate follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon. However, the lawsuit alleges GEO staff waited until March 26, 2025 — more than 10 weeks later — to schedule the consultation.
By the time West saw the specialist, the fracture had already healed improperly with “significant angulation,” the complaint states. The specialist, accoridng to the suit, stated that the 10-week delay meant a simple procedure was no longer possible. Instead, West now requires a “much more complicated” prodedure which the suit claims GEO has also failed to schedule.
The lawsuit argues that GEO Group breached its duty of care by failing to “administratively authorize, coordinate and schedule” the recommended surgeries. As a result, West claims he suffers from “significant deformity”, permanent limited range of motion, and loss of functionality in both hands. He is represented by the law firm of Thompson and Thompson in West Palm Beach. GEO Group had not responded to the suit through a publicly accessible document as of early Saturday, October 18, 2025.
GEO Group is headquartered on Technology Way in Boca Raton.
