Hoover v. Blankenship

STARCHER, Justice:

The appellant Bradley Hoover was arrested and taken into custody by Nicholas County deputy sheriffs. Because Mr. Hoover had been injured before his arrest, Mr. Hoover was taken to a local hospital. At the local hospital the deputies released Mr. Hoover from custody and it was determined that he needed specialized treatment. He was taken to another hospital where he received treatment costing $25,000.

Mr. Hoover filed suit against the sheriff and the county commission, claiming that under W.Va.Code, 7-8-2 [1985], they had a duty to pay his medical bills. The Circuit Court of…