Couple blames KFC for sidewalk fall

BECKLEY — A Raleigh County couple has sued a local restaurant and its owner-manager company, alleging personal injury.

Roy and Belva G. Adkins of Beaver filed a lawsuit March 16 in Raleigh Circuit Court against against Middleton KFC Inc. and Middleton Management Company of West Virginia, alleging negligence in a 2013 incident.

According to the complaint, on March 18, 2013, Roy Adkins fell on the sidewalk on the grounds of the KFC at 904 Ritter Drive in Beaver as he was leaving the premises. The sidewalk was designed in a way that did not allow the plaintiff to recognize and avoid a drop-off in its surface, the suit states.

When Roy Adkins stumbled, he fell to the ground and injured his shoulder, hands, neck and back, the complaint says. The suit alleges premises liability and negligence in failing to provide a reasonably safe location for its customers and cites breach of duty to Adkins. He cites medical expenses and loss of services and companionship to his wife.

Roy Adkins seeks compensatory damages plus attorney fees and costs.

The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Anthony Salvatore of Hewitt & Salvatore in Fayetteville. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Robert A. Burnside.

Raleigh Circuit Court case number: 15-C-193-B