Man sues Huntington Mart for excessive force, injuries

HUNTINGTON -- A man is suing the Huntington Mart, LLC, after he claims an employee used excessive force when removing him from the store and injured him.

On Jan. 6, Tony Griffin was in the Huntington Mart as a customer, when an employee of the defendant's known as "Chookie" used excessive force in removing him from the store and caused him injuries, including a displaced fracture of the right elbow that required surgery, according to a complaint filed July 12 in Cabell Circuit Court.

Griffin claims as a result of the defendant's negligence, he suffered damages, including loss of wages; loss of earning capacity; great physical pain and suffering; mental anguish; medical bills and special costs; and loss of capacity to enjoy life.

The Huntington Mart was negligent in hiring the employee, who had an extensive criminal background with a history of violence and difficulty in dealing with others, according to the suit.

Griffin is seeking compensatory damages. He is being represented by Matthew L. Clark and Paul Biser.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge David M. Pancake.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 11-C-499