Lawsuit targets Bath and Body Works product

BECKLEY – A federal lawsuit says a product from Bath and Body Works meant to remove calluses permanently injured a Beckley woman.

Stephani Trent filed a lawsuit June 4 in U.S. District Court in Beckley against Bath and Body Works LLC, doing business as BBW Store Operations, and Limited Brands.

Trent claims she bought a product from a Bath and Body Works store in Prosperity called "Tough Love Callus Treatment" in September 2007.

According to the label on the product, it is meant to target calluses on the feet and purports to leave the feet "feeling smooth and soft."

Trent says she applied the product on two occasions and used it as directed and pursuant to the advice of employees at the store.

According to the complaint, the product "proximately caused substantial damages and injuries to Ms. Trent which required hospitalization, painful treatments, intravenous injections and nearly a year and a half of ongoing medical treatment to the exact spot" where she applied the product.

Trent says the product is defective. She claims that she and members of her family complained to the company about the "thousands of dollars" worth of medical bills and lost wages she's incurred. In reply, Trent claims, the company sent her a $15 gift card.

She's seeking compensatory damages and legal costs.

Beckley lawyers Thomas A. Rist and John F. Rist are representing the plaintiff. The case is before federal Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

U.S. District Court case number: 5:09-cv-0609