Woman sues two individuals, bar for mother's death

MORGANTOWN -- The daughter of a Morgantown woman killed in a drunk-driving accident is suing two individuals and a bar for her mother's death.

On April 28, 2009, Matthew H. Veith became severely and visibly intoxicated as a result of drinking alcoholic beverages while a business patron of Pinnacle Club's bar, according to a complaint filed Jan. 26 in Monongalia Circuit Court.

Veith left the bar and operated a vehicle owned by Phyllis A. Veith in an "unlawful, reckless, careless and negligent manner." Matthew Veith was driving in a westerly direction on Route 705 in Morgantown in the oncoming eastbound lane directly into the path of an on-coming vehicle driven by Delores A. Decker, causing it to strike her vehicle head on.

Decker's daughter, Alee Robins, claims Phyllis Veith had a duty to ensure that any individual she allowed to operate any vehicle she owned was competent and fit to drive.

Robins claims she has suffered sorrow, mental anguish and solace; loss of income; hospital, medical and doctor expense; and funeral and burial expenses became of her mother's death.

Robins is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Kelly R. Reed.

Monongalia Circuit Court case number: 10-C-60