LANCASTER — A former Lancaster County Prison inmate who slipped on soapy water that accumulated near the showers and suffered injuries is claiming the county's negligence.
Timothy Jenkins filed a complaint Feb. 17 in the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County against the County of Lancaster alleging negligence.
Jenkins was an inmate at the Lancaster County Prison on Jan. 24, 2020, according to his complaint. He claims that as he exited the shower near his cell block, he fell on soapy water that had accumulated on the floor.
Jenkins further claims as a result of his fall, he suffered a shoulder rotator cuff tear that required surgery as well as injuries to his head and back. He alleges the defendant's negligence for not having rubber mats or other safe flooring to prevent falls and for failing to maintain the prison.
He also alleges the defendant failed to warn of the dangerous condition or to take actions to protect inmates from defective conditions. Jenkins further alleges that the defendants did not inspect the area for hazardous conditions that existed on the property. He claims he has also suffered loss of earnings and has incurred "large sums" in medical care costs.
Jenkins seeks monetary relief of more than $50,000, interest and all other just relief. He is represented by James Wells of Gay & Chacker PC in Philadelphia.
Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County case number 22-00938