Putnam woman sues after falling in Civic Center bathroom

CHARLESTON - A Putnam County woman is asking the city of Charleston to compensate her for injuries she allegedly sustained while attending an ice show at the Charleston Civic Center.

On Jan. 5, Sandra Short, of Scott Depot, filed a suit against the city of Charleston in Kanawha Circuit Court. In her complaint and suit, filed with the assistance of Dunbar attorney Stephen P. Swisher, Short alleges water in one of the women's restrooms caused her to slip and fall.

According to court records, Short took her granddaughter to the Civic Center on Jan. 7, 2007 to see a Disney on Ice show. Though records do not specify when, Short took her granddaughter to the restroom sometime while attending the show.

Short alleges while in the restroom she fell as a result of water that accumulated on the floor. This fall caused her to sustain "a menisus tear which ultimately required arthroscopic surgery, as well as injuries to left knee which will require surgical intervention in the future."

As a result of the fall, Short maintains she suffered "great physical, mental and emotional distress." Also, the fall resulted in Short being compelled to "expend money for medical care and will be required to do so in the future."

As compensation, Short is asking for $150,000 in damages plus costs and fees.

The case has been assigned to Judge Paul Zakaib.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 09-C-14