Woman sues after severing finger in Bob Evans' bathroom

CHARLESTON - A Kanawha County woman has filed a suit against a local restaurant after her finger was severed by one of the stall doors in the restroom.

Betty Hanshaw filed a suit against Bob Evans Farms Inc. on March 19 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

According to the suit, Hanshaw and her daughter went to Bob Evans in Kanawha City on April 2, 2006. While waiting to be seated, Hanshaw went to the women's restroom and slipped while entering one of the stalls.

Hanshaw claims she grabbed the doorway in an attempt to catch herself, but the door shut and caught her hand. Hanshaw also claims she continued to fall while her hand was in the doorway, hitting her head on the wall.

"Another patron in the bathroom at the time came to her aid and opened the door at which time it was apparent that the upper digit of one finger was completely severed and other finger had suffered severe lacerations and disfigurement," the suit says.

According to the suit, the woman then provided Hanshaw with a wetted paper towel and left the restroom to find assistance.

Hanshaw's daughter heard about the situation and immediately went to her mother's aid. According to the suit, it took approximately 10 minutes for the manager to come to the bathroom. Hanshaw claims the manager, Jane Doe, did not offer medical assistance or offer to call an ambulance.

According to the suit, Jane Doe refused to let Hanshaw leave until she signed various documents. Hanshaw's daughter insisted her mother leave and go to a hospital, the suit says.

Betty Hanshaw claims she is entitled to recover damages for the injuries she suffered, as well as because of the acts of omissions of the defendants.

Hanshaw claims she suffered severe injuries, physical disfigurement, medical care and treatment, punitive damages and other damages.

Hanshaw seeks punitive and compensatory damages.

Attorney Eric B. Snyder is representing Hanshaw. The case has been assigned to Judge Charles King.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-537