WELLSBURG - A Brooke County man has filed a suit against the estate of a man who allegedly shot him, causing him to be permanently paralyzed.
William Bernardini, along with his wife Judith, filed a suit Aug. 23 in Brooke Circuit Court. The suit is against the estate of James Patrick Fluharty and Nathan Patrick Fluharty, the administrator of the estate.
According to the suit, James Fluharty died Nov. 3, 2006. On the same day, Fluharty shot Bernardini in the back, severely damaging his spinal cord and causing permanent paralysis.
Bernardini claims Fluharty's actions were done in a reckless, careless and negligent manner, causing him to be injured. Bernardini also claims he will have to obtain medical care for the rest of his life.
According to the suit, Bernardini has incurred more than $200,000 in medical treatment and expects more bills in the future.
Judith Bernardini claims she has suffered the loss of duties, obligations and benefits of the martial relationship, including consortium, society, companionship and services of her husband.
Therefore, William and Judith Bernardini seek compensatory damages for their losses, from the estate of Fluharty.
Attorney Daniel L. McCune is representing Bernardini.
The case has been assigned to Judge James Mazzone.
Brooke Circuit Court case number 07-C-168