Driver cites sheriff’s office in collision

BECKLEY — A Raleigh County woman has sued the county sheriff’s office and a deputy sheriff, alleging vehicular negligence in a 2013 automobile accident.

Ellen Plumley of Beckley filed a lawsuit March 9 in Raleigh Circuit Court against the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department and deputy Gregory Kade in his capacity as a Raleigh County sheriff, alleging recklessness related to a collision.

According to the complaint, on March 13, 2013, Kade operated his police cruiser in a reckless and negligent manner when his vehicle crashed into Plumley's 2012 Ford F-150 pickup truck. The suit states Plumley, who was pregnant at the time, suffered physical injury, economic loss, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. The complaint maintains Kade breached his duty to keep citizens safe and free from harm or injury.

Plumley seeks: up to $100,000 in punitive damages; compensation for medical expenses and lost wages; damages for pain and suffering, along with annoyance, aggravation and inconvenience; pre-and post-judgment interest; and attorney fees and costs.

She is represented by attorney Gerald Hayden of Hayden & Hart in Beckley. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Robert A. Burnside.

Raleigh Circuit Court case number: 15-C-175-B