News from December 2017
Steptoe & Johnson attorney credits West Virginia roots for environmental law recognition
CHARLESTON – Steptoe & Johnson attorney Kathy G. Beckett was recognized recently for her reputation in environmental law by being named a fellow of The American College of Environmental Lawyers, according to a statement released by the firm.
Spilman partner Allevato recognized for trust and estate work
CHARLESTON – Spilman Thomas & Battle partner John F. Allevato is “very appreciative” after being awarded the highest recognition for private wealth attorneys in the 2017 edition of the Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) guide.
Federal appeals court says Greenbrier to pay out holes-in-one payments, not insurer
CHARLESTON – The U.S. State Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued an opinion on Dec. 20 stating that Gov. Jim Justice’s company is on the hook for two holes-in-one payments to spectators during the 2015 Greenbrier Classic golf tournament, because the policy requirements weren’t met.
W.Va., other states reach $13.5M settlement with drugmaker
CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general have reached a $13.5 million settlement with a prescription drug manufacturer to resolve allegations it misled consumers in advertising four drugs.
Partners: West Virginia Innocence Project gift helps law students, state
MORGANTOWN – Bill Frame and Wesley Metheney of Wilson, Frame & Metheney in Morgantown said their firm’s $100,000 gift to West Virginia University College of Law’s West Virginia Innocence Project was made in an effort “to contribute to the WV College of Law in a manner that would provide direct and immediate educational support to law students and at the same time be part of a greater good to West Virginia.”
Settlement reached in WVU sexual assault lawsuit
CLARKSBURG – A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit against West Virginia University alleging a former student was sexually assaulted and the school mishandled her report of the rape.
Mountaineer Casino guest alleges employee's actions caused him to fall
NEW CUMBERLAND – A man alleges he was injured at a Hancock County casino because of the negligence of an employee.
Man alleges he lost job with Ramaco Resources after ending relationship with vice president
LOGAN – A Logan County man alleges he lost his job after ending a relationship with an executive in the company.
Former Alleghany Medical Services employee files sexual harassment suit
BECKLEY – A Beckley woman alleges she was subjected to sexual harassment during her employment at a Raleigh County medical facility.
Patient alleges LabCorp failed to assist her after blood draw
CHARLESTON – A Charleston woman alleges she was injured when she lost consciousness after having her blood drawn.
Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone of West Virginia alleges it is owed more than $19,000
FAYETTEVILLE – A nonprofit alleges that it is still owed for services it provided to a Kincaid nonprofit.
TransAm Trucking named in suit over Wheeling parking lot collision
WHEELING – The next friend of a deceased Missouri woman is seeking damages on behalf of the estate after the woman was injured in a collision with a tractor-trailer in a Wheeling parking lot.
Mountain Blue Hotel Group blames economy, debt payments for failure to pay state, local taxes
CHARLESTON – Mountain Blue Hotel Group filed a response to a lender blaming the economy and debt payments it had to pay for why it fell behind on paying its state and local taxes.
Former employee accuses Tri-State Airport of disability discrimination
HUNTINGTON – A former employee is suing Tri-State Airport Authority after he claims it failed to accommodate his learning disability and terminated his employment.
What a charming personality: quick to criticize and quick to take offense
No one, including presidents, should criticize judges, but judges can say whatever they want about anybody, including presidents, and that's okay.
Malpractice cap laws only help insurance companies
CHARLESTON – I read with interest the recent Charleston Gazette-Mail editorial on quality of life issues relevant to West Virginia’s law placing arbitrary caps on damages in medical malpractice lawsuits, and I wanted to expand on your thoughts if I might.
Day Surgery Limited insurers seek judgment over coverage for sexual misconduct suits
CHARLESTON – The insurers of a surgery center in West Virginia are seeking a judgment regarding their duties to provide coverage for sexual misconduct claims.
Former Genesis Healthcare employee alleges her private information was disclosed
FAYETTEVILLE – A certified nursing assistant alleges she was wrongfully discharged from her position and that her health information was unlawfully shared with other employees.
Mardi Gras Casino guest seeks more than $75,000 for injuries caused by chair collapse
CHARLESTON – A Mingo County woman alleges she was injured at a casino after a chair collapsed.
Man seeks benefits from Farmers Insurance over accident injuries
LOGAN – A Chapmanville man alleges his insurer has failed to honor his claim for underinsured motorist benefits.