News from December 2016
Customer alleges dealer sold unsafe pickup truck
CHARLESTON — A Kanawha County woman is suing a Charleston vehicle dealer, alleging the defendant is guilty of negligent misrepresentation.
West Virginia Judicial Association elects new officers
CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Judicial Association has elected new officers, including new President Christopher C. Wilkes.
Walker sworn in as newest state Supreme Court Justice
CHARLESTON – Beth Walker was sworn in Dec. 5 to become the 77th justice to serve on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
Insurance firm alleges pole barn manufacturer, contractor owe $171,000
WINFIELD — An insurance firm is suing a pole barn manufacturer and a contractor, alleging breach of contract and breach of warranty in owing more than $171,000.
Housekeeper accuses Red Roof Inns of discrimination
CHARLESTON — A housekeeper is suing Red Roof Inns, a co-employee and a supervisor, alleging a hostile and unsafe work environment and sexual discrimination.
U.S. labor secretary accuses Bluefield contractor of compensation violations
BLUEFIELD — The U.S. secretary of labor is suing a Bluefield contractor and a real estate company, alleging violation of workers compensation acts in failing to pay proper overtime.
Estate administrator blames nursing home operator for patient's death
LOGAN — An estate administrator is suing a Logan nursing home operator, alleging the defendant's negligence led to the death of a patient.
Disabled veteran accuses conservation group of discrimination
BECKLEY — A disabled veteran from Putnam County is suing a conservation group, alleging disability discrimination, invasion of privacy and violation of the Family Medical Leave Act.
Employee accuses Jackson County of wrongful discharge
RIPLEY — A Ravenswood man is suing a Jackson County company, alleging age discrimination, retaliation and wrongful discharge.
Former Raleigh doctor arrested for intentionally distributing oxycodone
BECKLEY – A former doctor whose license was revoked earlier this year has been arrested on federal charges, including 17 counts of knowingly and intentionally distributing oxycodone for no legitimate medical reason.
Supreme Court denies Logan County judge’s attempt to remain on bench
CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has denied Logan Circuit Judge William Douglas Witten’s attempt to remain on the bench following May’s primary election.
Morrisey hails victory in dispute with Maryland over Potomac River usage
CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is pleased with Maryland's plan to stop a permitting process that restricted West Virginia’s use of the Potomac River.
Morrisey joins lawsuit challenging federal rule for 'critical habitats'
CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey joined an 18-state coalition in a lawsuit that challenges overreaching federal rules that broadly expand the definition for “critical habitats” for endangered and threatened species.
Two lawsuits filed against Stone Energy Corporation for fraud, breach of contract
NEW MARTINSVILLE – Two lawsuits have been filed against Stone Energy Corporation after the plaintiffs claim the company breached its contracts with them and its actions were fraudulent.
DEP reaches second settlement with Alpha
CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has reached a second settlement agreement with Alpha Natural Resources to guarantee the reclamation of former mining sites in the state.
Capito seeks economic stimulus for coal-mining states
CHARLESTON -- West Virginia has relied on coal production for years to support communities, but regulations and increased competition have dented that prospect as thousands of jobs have been omitted. However, legislation proposed by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., aims to revive rural economies.
Charleston attorney helping ADM fight poisonous horse feed suit
CHICAGO – Animal feed manufacturer Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) is currently facing a lawsuit alleging it produced horse feed with an ingredient, monensin, that is poisonous to horses.
Three strikes and Ed Kohout is out
Edward R. Kohout has been suspended at least three times in the course of his legal career: once by the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in Birmingham and twice by our Supreme Court of Appeals, this last time permanently. In case you're wondering, he was suspended from law school after being caught selling books he'd stolen from the university bookstore.
Internet access necessary for growth
PARKERSBURG – While the energy sector has served as a powerful engine of growth here in West Virginia since the Industrial Revolution, a new economic driver has made its way to the Mountain State: the internet.
Parents, brother blame Charleston police for man's death
CHARLESTON — Parents and a brother are suing the Charleston police, alleging their negligence led to the death of a family member.