Woman sues Big Lots for slip and fall

MARTINSBURG - A Berkeley County woman is suing a national retail store after she injured herself slipping on the floor.

Aline E. Valentin-Dunsmuir was a customer at Big Lots in Berkeley County in June 2005. While there she slipped and fell on an unknown substance.

"The substance which was on the floor was in the nature of a hidden danger, trap, snare, pitfall or the like," the lawsuit, which was filed Jan. 10, states.

The suit also says Valentin-Dunsmuir suffered permanent injury to her body, body chemistry and psyche. Because of her injuries, Valentin-Dunsmuir has incurred various medical expenses.

The suit states that Big Lots was negligent because it allowed the substance to remain on the floor, and the accident probably would not have happened if the substance had not been there.

She is seeking compensation for her injuries and expenses, attorney fees and court costs.

The case has been assigned to Judge Christopher Wilkes.

Berkeley Circuit Court case number 07-C-28