Harrison Co. woman sues Summit Engineering for daughter's death

MORGANTOWN -- A Harrison County woman is suing Summit Engineering after she claims it is responsible for her daughter's death.

Mary Ann Kavanagh, administratrix of the Estate of William Patrick Kavanagh; the First Down, LLC; and Backdoor, LLC, were also named as defendants in the suit.

On Dec. 7, 2008, Catherine Marie DeMarco, who was employed by Summit Engineering, was the passenger of a vehicle owed and operated by her supervisor, William Patrick Kavanagh, and was involved in a vehicle accident that caused her to sustain serious injuries that ultimately resulted in her death, according to a complaint filed Nov. 10 in Monongalia Circuit Court.

Toni M. Tenda, DeMarco's mother, claims William Patrick Kavanagh operated the vehicle in a negligent, reckless, willful and malicious manner.

Tenda claims Summit Engineering is liable for the negligence of its employees. She also claims that the First Down and Backdoor are responsible because William Patrick Kavanagh had consumed intoxicating liquor and beverages on their premises on Dec. 6 and/or Dec. 7, 2008, which caused him to become intoxicated.

As a result of the intentional, malicious, willful, wanton and negligent conduct of the defendants, DeMarco sustained injuries, which resulted in her death, according to the suit.

Tenda is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by James J. Sellitti.

Monongalia Circuit Court case number: 10-C-802