Couple sue Hibachi for injuries from fall

CHARLESTON - A Grassy Meadows couple are suing Hibachi of Southridge Inc. for injuries allegedly sustained from a fall.

On May 9, 2011, Carla L. Persinger was a patron at Hibachi when she slipped on a substance believed to be cooking oil/grease that was on the floor of the restaurant, according to a complaint filed May 7 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Persinger claims Hibachi was negligent and careless and had no regard for the safety of its patrons and failed to maintain the floor in a safe manner.

Hibachi did not put up caution signs and/or cones indicating a hazarous area on the floor or barricade the area, according to the suit.

Persinger claims Hibachi knew or should have known of the hazardous floor condition and as a result of its negligence, caused her to suffer injuries to her body, including her knee, resulting in surgeries.

As a result of Hibachi's reckless, gross and wanton negligence, Persinger incurred and will continue to incur medical expenses, prescription expenses, transportation expenses, lost wages and other miscellaneous expenses in excess of $100,000, according to the suit.

Persinger and her husband, Billy R. Persinger, are seeking compensatory damages. They are being represented by Barry L. Bruce, Christine Stump and Jesseca Church of Barry L. Bruce & Associates LC.

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

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 13-C-893