Boone woman sues after fall at Kanawha Mall DMV office

CHARLESTON - A Boone County woman has filed a suit against the Department of Transportation after she fell in a Division of Motor Vehicles office in Kanawha City.

Betty Ann Green filed a suit Aug. 30 in Kanawha Circuit Court against the DMV and the Kanawha Mall, where the office is located.

According to the suit, Green went to the DMV regional office March 28, 2006. At the time of her visit, she claims there was a portion of raised carpet by the front desk, caused by an object under the carpet.

"This raised area of the carpet at or near the front desk area created a latent and dangerous falling and/or tripping hazard that was not visible to the plaintiff or other invitees of the premises," the suit states.

Green fell on carpet while walking to the front desk, injuring her face and left eye, among other damages.

She claims the DMV was negligent by allowing a raised area in the carpet, which created a falling hazard.

According to the suit, Green suffered permanent physical impairment, including her face injuries, medical expenses, mental anguish and emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering and other injuries.

Green seeks judgment for her injuries, plus punitive damages.

Attorney Brian L. Ooten is representing Green. The case has been assigned to Judge Tod Kaufman.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-1855