Former employee says NGK Spark Plugs caused her injuries

CHARLESTON – A former employee says NGK Spark Plugs (USA), Inc., caused her injuries by failing to maintain an automatic heater insertion machine.

Tammi Payne was employed by the defendant as a production associate, according to a complaint filed Feb. 1 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Payne claims on June 8, 2011, she sustained severe and permanent disabling injuries because the defendant failed to adequately maintain an automatic heater insertion machine.

After the incident occurred, the defendant did not offer to call Payne an ambulance, nor did any of its agents visit or telephone her while she was in the hospital, according to the suit.

Payne claims she received Workers’ Compensation benefits relating to the injury and had to miss work because of the injury.

On July 29, 2011, Payne spoke to Susie Norman, who worked in the defendant’s human resources department, and reported that she had been released from her doctor for full duty, according to the suit.

Payne claims she was told to report to work on Aug. 1, 2011, but when she did, her employment was terminated.

The defendant unlawfully terminated Payne’s employment and violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act, according to the suit.

Payne is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Todd S. Bailess and J. Kristofer Cormany.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Paul Zakaib Jr.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 13-C-218