Jail Inmate Injured, County Debating How To Pay For Costs

Crawford County Sheriff Darin Layman said an inmate at the jail facility was recently injured while doing volunteer work, resulting in a $74,000 bill.

Layman told county commissioners Nov. 2 that their insurance provider will not cover the costs associated with the injury because there is no rider.

“The insurance company says they have no obligation to pay,” Layman said. “They will only pay if we’re sued. They won’t represent the county until there is litigation.”

Layman said there is no coverage for that type of injury.

The sheriff said the inmate had volunteered to cut some grass by the creek near the jail. 

“This person slipped on the grass and their foot went under the blade,” he said.

The subject was flown to a hospital for treatment. Layman said the cost for Air Evac alone was $55,000.

He said the subject was flown out on the recommendation of paramedics.

“If I didn’t have him flown out, it would’ve increased the liability,” Layman said.

He wants the county to cover the costs, saying litigation would be more expensive.

“I know he’s an inmate, but morally, I want to do this,” he said.

Layman said that inmates often volunteer for jobs as part of an effort to show they are trying to improve their lives.

“They get in, get off opioids, find God and want to turn things around,” he said.

District 2 Commissioner Jared Boast said he wanted to see if the county could negotiate lowering the cost of the bill.

“If not, then we have to pay it,” he said.

Boast also said the county must pursue insurance riders if they continue allowing inmates to perform labor.