Wood Co. woman says hearing aid center forged her name, got $500K

CHARLESTON -- A Wood County woman is suing Knapp Hearing Aid Centers after she claims it forged her name on worker's compensation forms and received nearly $500,000 in gross revenue.

Carla Sue Knapp and Robert L. Knapp III, the owners of Knapp Hearing Aid Centers, were also named as defendants in the suit.

Janet Petitte was employed by the defendants from Sept. 11, 2001, until Aug. 21, 2009, as a certified audiologist, according to a complaint filed March 2 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Petitte claims coverage for a hearing test and hearing aids was covered by worker's compensation, private health insurance companies and union health insurance companies, and as part of her employment, upon completion of a hearing test and sale of hearing aids, the insurance form was completed and signed by her.

After the date of separation of her employment, the defendants forged Petitte's name and credentials on worker's compensation claim forms without her permission or knowledge with fraudulent intent, according to the suit.

Petitte claims that by forging her name on the insurance and worker's compensation forms, the defendants collected in excess of an estimated $491,625 in gross revenue.

The defendants' actions have caused damages to Petitte's professional name and reputation, according to the suit.

Petitte is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Charles R. Webb.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles E. King.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-353