Fayette woman sues after falling down apartment stairs

CHARLESTON - A Fayette County woman has filed a suit against the owners of property where she says she was injured after falling down unlit stairs.

Catheria Swafford filed the suit Aug. 21 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Sam Vagheei, the owner of R.V. Properties Inc., and a John Doe Corporation.

According to the suit, Swafford was visiting an apartment complex owned by Vagheei on Aug. 24, 2006. While leaving the property she fell down the steps due to Vagheei's failure to install proper steps, lights and handrails, the suit says.

Swafford claims she was immobilized and injured from the fall. She also claims she had extreme mental and physical pain and lost quality from her life.

She incurred medical expenses, litigation costs and attorney fees.

Swafford seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

Attorney Belinda Morton is representing Swafford. The case has been assigned to Judge Paul Zakaib.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-1605