CIVIL FILINGS: Kanawha County

Dec. 6
Jerri Leedy and Rhonda Leedy vs. Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc.
PA- C. Christopher Younger; J- Paul Zakaib Jr.
* On Feb. 10, 2010, the Leedys purchased a 2010 Mercedes C300. The Leedys claim the vehicle is defective. The Leedys are seeking compensatory damages.
Case number: 11-C-2166

Victor Salutillo and Mae Salutillo vs. American Water Works Service Company, Inc. and West Virginia-American Water Company
PA- Shawn R. Romano; J- James C. Stucky
* On Dec. 13, 2009, a municipal water line owned and operated by the defendants broke and began spilling water along the roadway and into the plaintiffs' yard. The Salutillos claim the water accumulated near the front basement walls of the home and caused flooding and damages to the interior of their home and personal belongings. They are seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest.
Case number: 11-C-2170

Dec. 7
Denise Stricklen, individually and as executrix of the Estate of Loretta Conner, deceased vs. HR of Charleston, Inc. d/b/a Oak Ridge Center; Genesis Healthcare Corporation; and John Does 1 through 10
PA- Shawn P. George; J- Louis H. Bloom
* Conner was admitted to Oak Ridge Center on March 30, 2010 at the age of 78. Stricklen claims Conner fell on April 11, 2010, while at the center and had to be taken to the Intensive Care Unit at Charleston Area Medical Center, where she remained until April 15, 2010, when she was taken back to Oak Ridge. On May 13, 2010, Conner died from a subdural hematoma caused by the fall. Stricklen is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
Case number: 11-C-2175

Jerri M. Trent vs. Exide Technologies, Inc.; Exide Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Exide Technologies; Mark Redman, individually and in his position as warehouse manager of Exide Technologies; The Battery Terminal, Inc.; and James C. "Chip" Womack, individually and as the director/owner/operator of The Battery Terminal, Inc.
PA- William C. Forbes; J- James C. Stucky
* Trent's husband was formally employed by Exide Technologies until his termination on Sept. 19 for a conflict of interest that involved him selling junk batteries from his home to one of the customers of Exide. Trent claims the defendants then began making defamatory, false, insulting, unsubstantiated, offensive and damaging statements that she allegedly had stolen batteries that were the defendants' property. Trent is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
Case number: 11-C-2178

Mary Ann Fischer, executrix of the Estate of Kathleen A. Buchner, deceased vs. 84 Lumber Company; Beazer East, Inc.; Borg-Warner Corporation; et al
PA- David P. Chervenick, Bruce E. Mattock, Leif J. Ocheltree, Scott S. Segal; J- visiting
* Buchner was exposed to asbestos because her father was exposed during his career with the 63 defendants and would bring home asbestos dust from his clothing. Fischer claims her mother was diagnosed with asbestosis and mesothelioma, from which she died. Fischer is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
Case number: 11-C-2180

Steven D. Westfall, administrator of the Estate of Larry D. Westfall, deceased vs. 20th Century Glove Corporation; 4520, Inc.; Air & Liquid Systems Corporation; et al
PA- David P. Chervenick, Bruce E. Mattock, Leif J. Ocheltree, Scott S. Segal; J- visiting
* Steven Westfall claims Larry Westfall was diagnosed with asbestosis and mesothelioma, from which he died. The 199 defendants are responsible for exposing Larry Westfall to asbestosis, according to the suit. Steven Westfall is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
Case number: 11-C-2181

Dec. 8
Richard Hinchman vs. State of West Virginia Division of Corrections; Karen Louise Winter, M.D.; and Wexford Health Sources, Inc.
PA- Richard D. Lindsay, Matthew C. Lindsay; J- Charles E. King
* On Oct. 22, 2009, Hinchman, while an inmate at St. Mary's Correctional Center, reported to the medical department for shortness of breath. The following morning he began experiencing weakness and numbness on the right side of his body and reported it to the guard. Hinchman claims the paramedics were finally called at 5 p.m. when he was found collapsed in the floor, and he was taken to St. Joseph Hospital, where he was diagnosed as having a stroke. He claims the defendants failed to take actions throughout the day when he reported having stroke-like symptoms. Hinchman is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest.
Case number: 11-C-2198