Man sues East Cumberland for work-related injuries

CHARLESTON -- A Harper man is suing East Cumberland after he suffered injuries while he was at work.

Elder Joel Chavel was employed by East Cumberland as a general laborer.

On April 15, Chavel was cutting timber for East Cumberland when the gas-powered chain saw he was operating burst into flames, catching his clothes on fire and causing injuries, according to a complaint filed Aug. 10 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Chavel claims the defendant committed deliberate, specific safety violations, including failure to properly train, supervise and provide a safe place to work.

Chavel is seeking compensatory damages. He is being represented by Kevin B. Burgess.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Tod J. Kaufman.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-1425