Man sues Charleston over gym injury

CHARLESTON -- A man has filed suit against the city of Charleston, alleging he cut his ankle on a rusty piece of metal on a piece of the city’s gym equipment.

Calvin Bell filed suit June 30 in Kanawha Circuit Court against the City of Charleston.

According to the complaint, Bell was working out at the Martin Luther King Center, which is owned by the city, on July 11, 2013. As he was walking past a piece of exercise equipment, Bell cut his ankle on a rusty piece of metal protruding from the equipment, according to the complaint.

Because of the incident, Bell suffered injuries to his ankle, incurred medical costs, experienced great pain and suffering and endured mental anguish, the suit states. He also lost his enjoyment of life, the complaint says.

He blames the city for causing his injuries, saying it failed to inspect its equipment to recognize and remedy hazardous conditions.

Bell is seeking compensatory damages, plus costs, attorney’s fees, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the court deems just.

He is being represented by Scott H. Kaminski of Balgo and Kaminski in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Louis H. Bloom.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 14-C-1174