HUNTINGTON - A couple are suing the City of Huntington after allegedly suffering injuries at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
SMG; SMG Holdings I LLC; SMG Holdings II LLC; SMG Holdings Inc.; SMG Facility Management Corporation of Huntington d/b/a Big Sandy Superstore Arena; and John Does Companies 1 through 10 were also named as defendants in the suit.
On Sept. 15, 2011, Antoinette T. Van Meter and Michael E. Van Meter were visiting Big Sandy Superstore Arena to attend a concert, according to a complaint filed Aug. 7 in Cabell Circuit Court. CMT on Tour, headlined by Luke Bryan, played the arena that night.
The Van Meters claim while they were attempting to find their seats, Antoinette Van Meter tripped and fell on a step of the modular seating system.
Prior to the fall, Antoinette Van Meter had no actual knowledge of the existence of the step or warning that it was located along the darkened walkway, according to the suit.
The Van Meters claim the defendants breached their duty to maintain the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in a proper and safe condition by allowing a hazardous condition to exist in their modular seating system.
The defendants knew or by the exercise of reasonable care should have known of the hazardous and unsafe condition of the modular seating system, particularly the lack of adequate lighting to illuminate the seating system and stair where Antoinette Van Meter fell and the lack of ushers or other methods of warning and assisting the public in navigating the dark walkway, according to the suit.
The Van Meters claim the defendants were negligent, careless and/or reckless.
As a result of the defendants' actions, Antoinette Van Meter suffered severe injuries to her body, which she has incurred, including medical expenses; pain and suffering; physical limitations; diminished capacity to enjoy life; annoyance and inconvenience; and other consequences and damages, according to the suit.
The Van Meters are seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are being represented by Robert D. Cline Jr., Robert A. Campbell, R. Chad Duffield and Jennifer D. Roush of Farmer, Cline & Campbell PLLC.
The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge F. Jane Hustead.
Cabell Circuit Court case number: 13-C-549
Huntington sued after woman trips on step at Big Sandy Arena
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