Lawyer didn't file claim in time, so widow sues him

CHARLESTON - The widow of a man who suffered injuries from a fall on a cruise ship is suing the attorney who originally handled the claim, for allegedly allowing the statute of limitations to pass before filing the suit.

Norma Price filed the suit March 7 in Kanawha Circuit Court against George B. Vieweg III. Price filed the suit on behalf of herself and her late husband, Harry K. Price, who died Sept. 6, 2006.

According to the suit, Harry Price fractured his ankle and lacerated his left eye March 28, 2003, when he fell on a cruise ship. The lacerations on his eye exacerbated pre-existing problems, the suit says.

Norma Price claims she suffered a loss of society and service of her husband during that time.

Vieweg agreed to represent the Prices in connection with the 2003 incident, the suit says.

"George B. Vieweg III assured Mr. Price in the presence of Mrs. Price that they had a 'great' case and a reasonable chance of success if the claim were pursued," the suit says.

However, Norma Price claims Vieweg failed to file the lawsuit before the statute of limitations was up, breaching his contract with the Prices.

According to the suit, the claim was time barred and the Prices suffered the loss of value of Harry Price's injury claims and damages they may have recovered.

Norma Price, on behalf of herself and the estate of her husband, demands judgment against Vieweg in the amount of the value of her husband's injury claim and other general damages and attorney fees.

Attorney Ralph C. Young is now representing Price. The case has been assigned to Judge Irene Berger.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-451