Man sues after being injured at a halfway house for federal inmates

CHARLESTON —- A man is suing after sustaining a personal injury at a halfway house for federal inmates.

Robert Stalnaker, the manager of Bannum Place of Charleston, suspected inmates of sneaking out at night and going to other rooms, so he had the night watchman pull the breaker, leaving the building in darkness, according to a complaint filed Oct. 22 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

On Dec. 15, 2008, Ralph Barnett claims he got up to use the bathroom and was walking down a hall where he could not see when he fell over a piece of exercise equipment which then fell over on him.

Barnett sustained injuries to his shoulder, tore a rotator cuff, hurt his knee and lower back, and has been permanently injured.

Barnett is suing for damages for doctor, hospital and pharmaceutical expenses; pain and suffering; loss of ability to enjoy life; and permanent injury. Larry E. Losch of Losch & McCourt PLLC are representing him.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Paul Zakaib Jr.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 09-C-1983