South Charleston sewer problem leads to injury, suit claims

CHARLESTON -- A man is suing the City of South Charleston after he claims he was injured when he stepped into a deep hole.

On July 17, 2009, James Jones was out walking when he stepped into a deep hole that was covered by grass, according to a complaint filed Feb. 18 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Jones claims he later learned that the hole was caused by a problem with the South Charleston sewer lying underneath the area where the hole was.

The defendant had actual and/or constructive knowledge and notice of the dangerous condition, according to the suit.

Jones claims the defendant negligently created an unsafe place to walk.

The City of South Charleston failed to keep its street, sidewalk and public grounds in repair and free from nuisance; failed to warn of the problem with the sewer system; and failed to provide a safe place to walk, according to the suit.

Jones is seeking compensatory damages. He is being represented by J. Michael Ranson, Cynthia M. Ranson and George B. Morrone III.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Louis H. Bloom.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-279