Woman falls off seat while gambling, sues Wheeling track

WHEELING - An Ohio woman who fell off her seat at Wheeling Downs Racetrack and Gaming Center is suing Wheeling Island Gaming, Inc., for her injuries.

Mary Jane Degenhart says in a lawsuit filed May 11 in Ohio Circuit Court she was caused to fall out of her chair and sustained several injuries. The suit was filed through Wheeling attorney John Bremer.

She claims the race track failed to "adequately monitor, maintain, repair, control and assure for the safe operation and use of the defendant Wheeling Downs' seating," when she fell on May 12, 2004.

She says she has suffered permanent injuries to her back, hip and left side.

"Plaintiff Mary Jane Degenhardt was caused to be injured in and about her neck, back, hip, side, muscle tissues, body chemistry, brain and psyche," the complaint says.

It adds that she has been prevented from leading her normal life.

She is seeking compensatory damages.

Judge James P. Mazzone has been assigned the case.

Ohio Circuit Court case number 06-C-169M