Mother of Trumbull jail inmate files wrongful death suit

BY JORDAN COHEN

news@vindy.com

WARREN

The mother of a Trumbull County jail inmate who died after being Tasered last year has filed a federal lawsuit against the county, Sheriff Thomas Altiere and Dr. Philip Malvasi, the jail’s medical director and physician.

The lawsuit charges civil rights violations, wrongful death and medical malpractice.

Sheriff Altiere said he has not seen the lawsuit and declined comment.

Joan Padula of Ravenna said her son, Kurt Platzer, 32, of Warren, suffered seizures due to advanced alcohol withdrawal. She claims that jail corrections officers were aware of his condition, but still shocked him when he became belligerent. The lawsuit also claims that Dr. Malvasi never met with Platzer, did not prescribe any treatment or order him to a hospital.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com