Woman trips over curb, sues indoor racetrack

CHARLESTON - A Kanawha County woman has filed a suit against a local indoor racetrack after she fell while entering the track.

Valerie Johnson and her husband, Brian Pauley, filed a suit June 26 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Southridge Grand Prix and Family Fun Center.

Johnson, a St. Albans resident, was a patron of Grand Prix on Oct. 14, 2006. During her visit, she went through the gate that led to the track. According to the suit, there was a curb or step that was part of the racetrack floor, inside the gate.

The suit says the curb was the same color as the surface of the track and not clearly visible for Johnson.

Johnson, "walking in a careful and prudent manner," came in contact with the curb and fell, sustaining an injury, the suit says.

According to the suit, Grand Prix negligently designed the premises, in that it caused Johnson to fall. Johnson claims there were no warning signs, paint or signals alerting her of the "dangerous condition."

Grand Prix was negligent, careless and reckless in its design, repair, construction, upkeep, service, inspection and maintenance of the premises, creating a hazard, the suit says.

Johnson claims she has been caused various expenses for doctors, medicine, medical care and attention.

Pauley claims he has sustained great and irreparable loss in the he has been deprived of the society, companionship, consortium and services of his wife.

Johnson and Pauley seek unspecified damages.

Attorney Ted Kanner is representing Johnson and Pauley. The case has been assigned to Judge Jennifer Bailey Walker.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-1248