Rowland v. County of Sonoma

Opinion

LOW, P. J.

Marvin Rowland, an inmate in the Sonoma County jail, was being driven from work detail in a county-owned station wagon when the car suddenly lost its right front wheel and abruptly stopped. Rowland was thrown around the car’s interior and sustained injuries to his neck and back. The county denied his claim and Rowland filed suit.

The county moved for summary judgment on the grounds that it is generally immune from liability for injuries to prisoners (see Gov. Code, § 844.6), and plaintiff did not establish the exception to immunity for injuries caused by negligent operation of…