Woman sues for fall at Charleston Civic Center

CHARLESTON -- A Kanawha County woman is suing the Civic Center/Auditorium Board of the City of Charleston after she fell and injured herself.

On April 17, 2008, Benita C. Vaughn was a business invitee at the defendant's premises and was attending a circus event held at the Charleston Civic Center, according to a complaint filed April 19 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Vaughn claims she was making her way with her children to their seats when suddenly all the lights were turned out and it became completely dark.

Vaughn claims she did not move any further, but must have been on the edge of the stair because she fell.

As a result of the fall, Vaughn sustained injuries to her left foot and ankle; both hands and wrists; back; permanent emotional injuries; and pain and suffering, according to the suit.

Vaughn is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Travis E. Ellison III and John R. Mitchell Sr.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-736