Woman trips on rug, sues Marriott

CHARLESTON - A woman is suing Charleston Marriott LLC for injuries she allegedly sustained while on its premises.

On Aug. 2, 2011, Linda P. Buechler was scheduled to have a work-related meeting at the Marriott in Charleston and was entering the premises when she tripped over a disheveled and poorly placed rug and fell, according to a complaint filed July 26 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Buechler claims immediately following the fall, she heard employees "make disparaging comments, such as 'she did not nail the dismount.'"

After the fall, Buechler was initially x-rayed to determine if any bones were broken and was diagnosed with various bruises and contusions and was told to return if her conditions worsened, according to the suit.

Buechler claims in the following week, her left wrist and right knee worsened and she followed up with a bone and joint surgeon, who gave her injections in her wrist and instructed her on exercises for her knee.

The defendant breached its duties and was negligent and careless, according to the suit.

Buechler claims the Marriott knew, or with exercise of reasonable care should have known, of the existence of the condition and of the dangerous and unsafe nature and failed to remedy or warn of the dangerous and unsafe condition.

As a direct and proximate result of the negligence and carelessness of the Marriott, Buechler was severely and permanently injured and incurred medical expenses, according to the suit.

Buechler is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Mark L. French and Matthew S. Criswell of Criswell French Condaras PLLC.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles E. King.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 13-C-1411