THIS JUST IN: Monongalia County

Sept. 22
Olga Sharp v. Sears Roebuck and Company and Morgantown Mall Associates
PA-Natalie Sal; Judge Robert B. Stone
* While shopping at Sears in September 2006, Sharp fell over several uneven and overlapping carpet runners that were placed by the entrance to the store. As a result of the fall, she suffered joint and soft tissue injuries to her left hand, and a fractured finger that required medical treatment. Sharp claims her injuries were a result of Sears failure to place barriers around or failing to warn of the uneven and overlapping carpet runners. Sharp is seeking compensatory damages for past present and future medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Case number: 08-C-698

Sept. 29
Kenneth Williams v. WVU Board of Governors, C. Peter McGrath and Bob Roberts
PA Allan N. Karlin; J-NA
* In October 2007 while sitting in the Mountainlair, Williams was approached by WVU police Department officers. Williams was detained and searched by the officers, who found no evidence Williams had committed any crimes. The officers insisted that he sign a WVU Dept. of Public Safety Trespassing Form. Williams signed the form under duress. The form threatened Williams would be arrested if he returned without written permission of the Director of Public Safety. After raising questions as to why he was detained, Williams filed a complaint against the WVU police officer. The officer added an addendum to Williams' file that falsely accused him of defamatory matters. Williams requests the Court to declare the practice of detaining individuals and requiring they sign a WVU Trespassing Form a violation of sections of the West Virginia Constitution and the Fourth, Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. Williams is seeking damages, declaratory and injunctive relief, costs and attorney fees.
Case number: 08-C-716