News from July 2015
Make summer memories at a state park
CHARLESTON – The Mountain State is known worldwide for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures, and this summer is the perfect time to explore all that West Virginia has to offer.
CALA study shows alliances in state Supreme Court rulings
CHARLESTON – A new West Virginia Citizens Against Lawsuit study shows how the justices on the state Supreme Court vote with each other. The data released by WV CALA outlines the ruling trends based on non-unanimous opinions issued by the state’s highest court, according to a press release from the organization. “We are excited to release the first part of our research on this topic," Executive Director Roman Stauffer said.
Couple battles State Farm following house fire claim
PINEVILLE—A Wyoming County couple sued their insurance company claiming breach of contract in its alleged denial of coverage following an epic 2013 house fire. Douglas Lester and Donna Lester of Oceana filed a complaint against State Farm Fire and Casualty Company of Bloomington, IL, June 23 in Wyoming Circuit Court asserting a June 2013 breach of their homeowners’ insurance policy, originally purchased in June 2010 and renewed in June 2012. According to the filing, the plaintiffs’ home sustai
Widow litigates against health care business to obtain husband’s records
BECKLEY—A Raleigh County woman serving as estate administrator for her late husband filed suit against a Beckley-based company implicating breach of duty in matters related to her husband’s 2015 death. Linda Dempsey, estate executrix for Jack L.
Motorist sues tree company, driver over injuries alleged in crash
BECKLEY—A Raleigh County man filed suit against an individual driver and his employer claiming liability in the aftermath of a 2015 motor vehicle accident that resulted in physical injuries and loss of property for the plaintiff. William L.
Wheelchair-bound patient’s estate sues provider following head injury in transport
PRINCETON—A Mercer County estate executor filed suit against a medical transport company claiming negligence in a 2013 injury purportedly leading to a Bluefield man’s death. Regina Perfin filed a complaint as executor of the estate of John Perfin, deceased, against Stat EMS LLC June 18 in Mercer Circuit Court asserting negligence in a July 2013 transportation mishap. According to the filing, the plaintiff’s decedent was placed in an ambulance for non-emergency transport requested by the nursin
Couple takes construction company to court after truck runs onto property
RIPLEY—A Jackson County couple is suing an Ohio-based construction corporation and its owner, alleging negligence led to a truck causing to structural damage to the plaintiffs’ home.
Parents sue driver, employers for damages in daughter’s life-threatening injuries
WHEELING—An Ohio County couple filed suit on behalf of their daughter against two Pennsylvania firms doing business in West Virginia along with their employee, claiming vehicular negligence in a 2015 automobile accident. Prudence A.
Worker alleges employer violated family leave, state law
LOGAN—A Logan County woman is suing her employer and unknown individuals, alleging unlawful retaliatory discrimination in the loss of her job.
Car owner litigates against dealership alleging fraud
WHEELING—An Ohio County resident filed suit against an automobile dealership claiming several counts of unlawful conduct in a 2014 denial of coverage for his allegedly warranted vehicle. David E.
Former nursing home resident faults facility with failure
WHEELING—An Ohio County resident filed a lawsuit against numerous related healthcare enterprises, an administrator and unnamed staffers alleging substandard care during her stay at the defendant’s facility. Rebecca Krumski sued Guardian Elder Care at Wheeling LLC d/b/a Peterson Rehabilitation Hospital and Geriatric Center a/k/a Peterson Healthcare and Rehabilitation Hospital; Guardian LTC Management Inc. d/b/a Guardian Elder Care; Guardian Elder Care LLC; Barbara K.
Consumer charges dealership with unlawful reclamation
BECKLEY—A Raleigh County resident filed suit against a local automobile dealership complaining of unlawful seizure in an “an abrupt, illegal, and unfair repossession” in 2014. Robert Cook of Beckley filed a complaint against Grant S.
Woman sues St. Mary's Medical Center for mother's death
HUNTINGTON - A woman is suing St. Mary's Medical Center after she claims it is responsible for her mother's death. In January and February 2013, Beverly Lou Kinner Hodges was admitted as a patient at St. Mary's and underwent a diagnostic laparotomy on Feb. 7, 2013, and was diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian carcinoma, according to a complaint filed June 11 in Cabell Circuit Court. Kathy Cremeans claims on Feb. 9, 2013, Hodges buzzed for a nurse to assist her in going to the bathroom and a registe
Man sues Heiner's Bakery for work injuries
HUNTINGTON - A Putnam County man is suing Heiner's Bakery after he claims he was injured twice due to unsafe working conditions. Bimbo Bakeries USA Inc. is doing business as Heiner's Bakery. John Edward Nance was employed by Heiner's as a delivery driver, according to a complaint filed June 11 in Cabell Circuit Court. Nance claims the defendant maintains the facility in an unsafe condition and has implemented procedures that place the delivery drivers and other employees in peril of being ser
Woman sues WVU Board of Governors for husband's death
MORGANTOWN - A woman is suing the West Virginia University Board of Governors after she claims they are responsible for her husband's death. On May 19, 2012, Wilbur Dale Severe Jr. was a patient at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown and a CT trauma, chest, abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast was ordered, according to a complaint filed in Monongalia Circuit Court. Carol E.
Couple alleges trespass, timber theft by logging firm
RIPLEY—A Jackson County couple is suing a timber company, alleging various incidents of property breach.
Distressed worker claims disability discrimination in job loss
WHEELING—An Ohio County citizen filed suit against a Kentucky corporation doing business in WV, alleging negligent infliction of emotional distress and violation of state employment law during his 2014-15 employment period. Kelly Gannon of Wheeling filed a complaint against Star Mine Services June 22 in Ohio Circuit Court asserting that his employer unlawfully terminated him in January 2015 because of a past addiction which he claims did not affect his job performance. The suit states that Gan
Minor says she was sexually harassed at John Adams Middle
CHARLESTON – A minor, through her mother, is suing the Kanawha County Board of Education for sexual harassment. Richard Harper, a teacher and coach at John Adams Middle School and George Washington High School, was also named as a defendant in the suit. During the 2011-2012 school year, T.C.
Dunbar man blames doctor for wife's death
CHARLESTON – A Dunbar man is suing a Charleston physician he claims is responsible for his wife's death. On May 14, 2012, Wanda Christina Jones was referred to Dr. Mahendrakumar M.
Putnam Co. woman sues Capitol Market for injuries
CHARLESTON – A Putnam County woman is using Capitol Market after she claims she was injured on its property. On May 22, 2013, Sarah Hamrick was lawfully on the premises of the defendant's business when she stepped onto the uneven surface, causing her to fall to the ground, according to a complaint filed in Kanawha Circuit Court. Hamrick claims she suffered severe injuries, including a severe inversion injury to her left ankle and foot. The plaintiff is not the only person to have fallen and/o