Three people say Velotta Company's negligence caused collision

CHARLESTON - Three people are suing the Velotta Company for allegedly causing a vehicle collision that caused them injuries.

Safety Caution Equipment Co. was also named as a defendant in the suit.

On Sept. 27, 2011, Velotta entered into a contract with the West Virginia Department of Transportation's Division of Highways to perform repairs to the Pax Avenue Bridge on U.S. 19 in or around Mount Hope, according to a complaint filed May 17 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

On Feb. 1, 2012, Velotta entered into a subcontract agreement with Safety to assist Velotta in performing temporary traffic control services on U.S. 19 around the Pax Avenue Bridge and the defendants implemented a temporary traffic control plan, constructing a taper to reduce U.S. 19 to one lane on both the northbound and southbound sides of the highway, according to the suit.

On April 12, 2012, a vehicle being driven by Gillian L. Economou and in which Frank B. Harrison and Deborah D. Harrison were passengers was traveling southbound on U.S. 19 in or around the construction zone near the Pax Avenue Bridge, according to the suit.

The plaintiffs claim as a result of the defendants' careless, negligent, willful, wanton and/or reckless design and construction of the construction zone and temporary traffic control plan implemented, Randy Lipord, who was operating a tractor-trailer, lost control of the vehicle, crossed the median, and violently collided with the plaintiffs' vehicle.

The defendants' negligence caused the plaintiffs lost wages and loss of earning capacity; medical expenses; pain and suffering; physical limitations; diminished capacity to enjoy life; annoyance and inconvenience; and other consequences and damages associated with their injuries, according to the suit.

The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are being represented by Stephen B. Farmer, Robert A. Campbell and R. Chad Duffield of Farmer, Cline & Campbell PLLC; and William F. Byrne.

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

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 13-C-976