Mercer woman sues for sister's neglect, abuse

MORGANTOWN – A Mercer County woman is suing Psychological Assessment & Intervention Services after she claims its employees neglected and abused her sister.

Coordinating Counsel for Independent Living was also named as a defendant in the suit.

Beth Riddle is the natural sister and legal guardian of Janella Haddix, who is legally incompetent and considered a protected person, according to a complaint filed March 1 in Monongalia Circuit Court.

Riddle claims the defendants provided attendant care and other services to Haddix in order to assure her safety and well being.

From March 2009 until June 2009, the defendants "negligently provided care and services below the accepted standard...resulting in physical and emotional injuries as well as medical expenses," according to the suit.

Riddle claims Kathy Hall and Latisha Winebush, who were employed by the defendants, verbally and physically assaulted Haddix, battered her, neglected her, and physically and emotionally abused her while she was under their care.

Coordinating Counsel for Independent Living also had a duty to supervise, review and oversee the care and services provided in order to assure that Psychological Assessment & Intervention Services was appropriately carrying out its responsibilities, according to the suit.

Riddle is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Dino S. Colombo.

Monongalia Circuit Court case number: 11-C-137