Elkview couple sues Mason County company over accident

CHARLESTON – An Elkview couple has sued a Mason County company, its owner and an employee for a 2003 automobile accident that injured the woman.

Sheila Ann Jett and Ryan Jett say Gary Gunno of Charleston was driving a 2001 Ford Windstar van owned by Paul Krimm, doing business as Home Care Medical Equipment Inc., which is based in Mason County. The accident occurred Dec. 23, 2003, at the end of the Interstate 79 Big Chimney exit in Charleston.

The suit, filed by Charleston attorney Troy N. Giatras, says Gunno was negligently driving the van and that Krimm breached a duty to properly hire a qualified driver, to supervise his employee's performance while operating vehicle and negligently hired Gunno.

As a result of the accident, Sheila Jett suffered abrasions/contusion, a neck injury, a shoulder injury, a back injury and other physical and physiological damages permanent in nature. The injuries require past, present and future medical treatment; past, present and future medical bills; past, present and future lost wages; pain and suffering and mental anguish.

Jett also claims she has suffered a decrease in earning capacity, value of life, enjoyment of life, a diminished earning capacity, a loss of earnings, pain, suffering and mental anguish. She says she will continue to do so in the future.

Also, the couple suffered damage to their vehicle, had to rent a car, suffered loss of use of their vehicle, endured annoyance and inconvenience and diminution in the value of their car.

Jett's husband Ryan also sues for loss of consortium with his wife.

They seek compensatory damages, jointly and severally, as well as attorney fees, court costs and other relief

The Jetts seek a jury trial.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Tod Kaufman.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 05-C-2772