Wayne Co. man sues four individuals for battery, negligence

WAYNE -- A Wayne County man is suing four individuals he claims are responsible for injuries he sustained in their apartment.

Fifteen unknown individuals were also named as defendants in the suit.

On Dec. 31, 2008, Charles L. Adams was in his apartment on Meadow Lane when he heard yelling from the apartment beneath his and went down to see if his neighbors were OK, according to a complaint filed Nov. 8 in Wayne Circuit Court.

Adams claims upon arriving at the apartment, Edward Followay opened to door, began curing at him and then struck him in the side of his face. Adams claims he ignored the punch and attempted to remove Followay from the premises.

Followay then struck Adams in the face and broke his glases, according to the suit.

Adams claims he then struck Followay in self defense and fractured his hand.

Donald Followay, Mary Miller, James Crockett and the unknown individuals own and/or reside at the apartment and are responsible for the designing, engineering, constructing, inspecting, operating, cleaning, maintaining and warning of hazards regarding the apartment, according to the suit.

Adams claims the defendants were aware of Edward Followay's past criminal conduct. He claims the defendants caused him to defend himself and sustain injuries.

Adams is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. He is being represented by J. Patrick L. Stephens and Mark F. Underwood.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Darrell Pratt.

Wayne Circuit Court case number: 10-C-240