Man blames South Charleston company for his fall into manhole

CHARLESTON – A man says a South Charleston business is to blame for him falling into an open manhole.

In the lawsuit filed in Kanawha Circuit Court, Glenn E. Waugh says he was on South Charleston Stamping and Manufacturing Company's property on Feb. 5, 2004, working for L.R. Landon Ray Daniels Transportation Co. Inc., and there happened to be an open manhole.

Waugh fell into the open manhole and was severely injured. In the suit, filed by attorney Paula L. Wilson, Waugh says it was dark outside and the area was not well lit.

Waugh says the defendant breached its duty to provide a reasonably safe place to work. He also says the defendant breached its statutory duty to repair and maintain a safe condition.

He claims the actions of the defendant were willful, wanton, intentional, reckless, grossly negligent and unlawful.

Because of the incident, Waugh says he suffered permanent injuries to his body and mind.

He claims he has suffered and will continue to suffer pain, loss of income, severe mental and emotional anguish and loss of enjoyment of life. He also says he has had and will continue to have medical bills stemming from the incident.

He seeks to be compensated in an amount to be determined by the court as well as interest, court costs and other relief.

Waugh requests a jury trial.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Jim Stucky.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 05-C-2901