Lewis County man sues WVDOC over car accident

CHARLESTON – A Lewis County man is suing the West Virginia Division of Corrections after he was injured in a car accident.

Hailey Mayfield, in her individual capacity and as administratrix for the Estate of John David Mayfield, was also named as a defendant in the suit.

On Nov. 1, 2010, Edgar L. Bleigh Sr. was operating a 1996 Mack Tri-Axel Dump Truck loaded with gravel on U.S. 50 near West Union when John Mayfield, who was driving a 2007 Dodge Caravan passenger van owned by WVDOC, ignored a stop sign and flashing caution traffic signal and caused his vehicle to collide with Bleigh’s, according to a complaint filed Oct. 31 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Bleigh claims John Mayfield was acting in the scope of his employment as a correctional officer for WVDOC at the time of the collision.

As a result of the collision between the two vehicles, Bleigh’s truck overturned and spilled gravel over U.S. 50 and a fire ensued, according to the suit.

Bleigh claims he was trapped in his truck and tried to kick out a window to escape, but was unsuccessful. However, a bystander broke the window with a rock and Bleigh was able to escape the fire.

Due to the collision, Bleigh suffered serious personal and emotional injuries which are permanent in nature and he incurred medical expenses and loss of income, according to the suit.

Bleigh is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by David C. Glover.

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

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 12-C-2185