Plaintiff says traumatic brain injury caused by Va. company

BECKLEY - A small logging company owner claims a Virginia corporation is responsible for an accident that left him permanently injured.

Steve R. Martin filed a lawsuit Aug. 27 in the Circuit Court of Greenbrier County against MeadWestvaco Corp., citing negligence. The lawsuit was removed to U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia in Beckley on Oct. 3.

Martin suffered severe and permanent injuries on Sept. 17, 2011, while delivering and helping unload logs at the defendant's paper mill location in Covington.

He was struck in the head by a log grappler and his arm and shoulder became trapped between logs, causing traumatic brain injury, severe ear injuries, hearing and vision loss, nerve damage and other permanent disabilities, according to the brief.

The plaintiff is suing for an undetermined amount of relief, including more than $400,000 in medical expenses and more than $1 million in lost future earnings.

Martin is being represented by Princeton attorney Mark E. Wills.

The removal notice says a diversity of citizenship exists between the plaintiff, of West Virginia, and the defendant, of Virginia. It also notes more than $75,000 is in question, which exceeds the federal threshold for removal.

The company is represented by Ryan E. Voelker of Jackson Kelly in Charleston.

Circuit Court of Greenbrier County Case No. 13-C-181.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia Case No. 5:13-cv-24436