Clendenin couple sues CAMC for injuries

CHARLESTON -- A Clendenin couple is suing Charleston Area Medical Center after they claim a bulky mat caused injuries.

On May 17, 2009, Cecil H. Rice III was a patient at the hospital when he was caused to fall by a large and bulky mat on the floor of his small hospital room, according to a complaint filed Aug. 13 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Rice and his wife, Connie Blessing, claim the defendant was negligent and careless in the maintenance of its facility and breached its duty to them by failing to ensure that the floors were properly cleared and maintained; failed to warn patients that the floor was not properly cleared; and failed to identify and remove trip hazards and obstructions in its patient rooms.

The couple is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are being represented by Brent K. Kesner and Daniel W. Greear.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge James C. Stucky.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-1462