Woman sues over tainted gasoline

HUNTINGTON -- After purchasing gasoline that was allegedly tainted with water, a woman is suing the oil company that owned the gas station.

Jana R. Nicholas claims after purchasing $15 of gas from the Sunoco station on U.S. 60 on Jan. 28, her car became disabled.

Sunoco is owned by Wheeler and Clevenger Oil Company.

Upon entering the station, Nicholas was informed the gas may have been tainted with water, according to a complaint filed in the Cabell Circuit Court Oct. 7. The vehicle was then towed to a service repair center where the entire fuel system was repaired and replaced.

Nicholas claims the oil company intentionally caused its product to be defective, and she has been without transportation since the incident. She claims when she attempted to resolve the matter, the company refused to do so.

Nicholas is suing for actual damages, consequential damages and punitive damages. Randall D. Wall is representing her.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge David M. Pancake.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 09-C-811