Glassel v. Neal
3:24-cv-00387
N.D. Ind.Jun 20, 2025Background
- Christopher J. Glassel, an inmate at Indiana State Prison, filed a pro se civil rights complaint under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging unconstitutional conditions of confinement and denial of medical care.
- On February 9, 2024, Glassel was transferred to a cell (525E) that was contaminated with urine, human waste, and trash, consisted of broken fixtures and structural hazards.
- Despite repeated requests, Officer Raccio and other staff did not provide him cleaning supplies, forcing Glassel to clean the cell himself and live in unsanitary conditions for over three weeks.
- On February 29, 2024, a large piece of drywall fell on Glassel’s head, and despite subsequent health complaints, he alleges Officer Raccio did not pursue medical help, and medical staff did not see him until April 4, 2024.
- Glassel named additional defendants but did not specify their personal involvement, and his complaint was subject to preliminary review under 28 U.S.C. § 1915A.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eighth Amendment—Unsanitary/Dangerous Conditions | Forced to live in cell with human waste, trash, and danger | Not outlined in order | Plaintiff stated a plausible Eighth Amendment claim vs. Officer Raccio |
| Eighth Amendment—Denial of Medical Care (Raccio) | Raccio ignored head injury and denied medical care | Not outlined in order | Claim dismissed; not enough facts of serious medical need or notice |
| Eighth Amendment—Denial of Medical Care (Other staff) | Delayed care after injury; requests for treatment ignored | Not outlined in order | Claim dismissed; no defendant specifically identified |
| Liability of Warden Neal & Fritter | Sued as named defendants | Not outlined in order | Claims dismissed; no facts alleged about their personal involvement |
Key Cases Cited
- Erickson v. Pardus, 551 U.S. 89 (liberal construction of pro se pleadings)
- Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825 (standards for deliberate indifference under the Eighth Amendment)
- Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97 (inmates entitled to adequate medical care under the Eighth Amendment)
- Rhodes v. Chapman, 452 U.S. 337 (Constitution does not require comfortable prisons)
- Knight v. Wiseman, 590 F.3d 458 (inmates entitled to minimal necessities including sanitation)
- Gillis v. Litscher, 468 F.3d 488 (components of Eighth Amendment conditions claims)
- Board v. Farnham, 394 F.3d 469 (deliberate indifference defined as intentional or reckless disregard)