James M. Weatherholt v. Spencer County

In this case we consider the extent to which an Indiana county, acting through its commissioners, owes a duty of care to an inmate injured while incarcerated in the county jail. James M. Weatherholt, Sr. appeals the entry of summary judgment in favor of Spencer County in Weatherholts negligence action. Weatherholt, an inmate with a preexisting back condition, asked Spencer County jail personnel to make a bottom bunk available to him after his cell-mates refused him one. Weatherholt was denied his request, and he was then injured when he fell while attempting to climb into a top bunk in his cell. The trial court found that Spencer County did not owe Weatherholt a duty of care under the circumstances and entered judgment for the County.