Woman sues distributor for injuries in ATV accident

WHEELING - An ATV distributor is being sued by a woman who was injured when her ATV rolled over, crushing her right hand.

Laura Lewis filed the suit Feb. 21 in Ohio Circuit Court, against K&T Cycles and Yamaha Motor Corporation. K&T Motors, in Romney, sell ATVs, motorcycles and other Yamaha products.

According to the suit, Ronald Lewis, Laura Lewis's husband, bought a 2006 Yamaha Rhino ATV from the Romney facility Sept. 25, 2006.

Laura Lewis was a passenger on the ATV on Oct. 2, 2006, in Maryland, when it rolled over on its side during a routine maneuver on a level surface. According to the suit, Lewis's right hand became trapped between the vehicle and the ground, crushing her right upper extremity and causing multiple fractures of her hand and fingers.

The injury required extensive surgery, including the use of metal pin and hardware to fix the bones, the suit says.

Lewis claims that after the surgery, her right hand began to exhibit signs of reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a painful neurological condition that has worsened over time, the suit says.

According to the suit, Lewis has suffered stiffness and extreme sensitivity in her affected hand, which resulted in limitations of her ability to use the hand, and a permanently disfigured hand.

Lewis claims K&T is negligent by allowing design defects relating to rollover risks, and failed to install a retrofit kit intended to protect the limbs of Rhino ATV users.

Lewis seeks compensatory and punitive damages for her injuries.

Attorney Mary J. Williams is representing Lewis. The case has been assigned to Judge Arthur M. Recht.

Ohio Circuit Court case number 08-C-85