Huntington man sues Prestera Center for car crash injuries

HUNTINGTON -- A Huntington man is suing Prestera Center for Mental Health Services, Inc., after he was involved in a vehicle accident with a Prestera employee.

Shawn Gue, the Prestera employee involved, was also named as a defendant in the suit.

On May 12, 2009, William Murphy entered into the back seat of a vehicle driven by Gue, who was to transport him to Prestera for an appointment, according to a complaint filed May 5 in Cabell Circuit Court.

Murphy claims Gue began to pull out of the parking space without ensuring that the vehicle was in the correct gear and consequently went into reverse, slamming into the car directly behind them.

Gue demonstrated "complete disregard for others" and did not ask Murphy if he was injured, according to the suit.

Murphy claims Gue left the scene of the accident without reporting it, which further demonstrated his disregard for others.

The collision was caused by Gue's recklessness, carelessness and negligence, according to the suit.

Murphy claims Prestera is liable because Gue was acting as its employee.

The defendants caused Murphy to suffer serious, painful and permanent bodily injuries; great physical pain; mental anguish; severe and substantial emotional distress; and loss of the capacity for enjoyment of life, according to the suit.

Murphy is seeking compensatory damages. He is being represented by Richard W. Weston.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge F. Jane Hustead.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 11-C-283