The lawsuit was also originally filed against the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Chief Logan State Park and Department of Commerce Secretary Keith Burdette. The state entity defendants were dismissed by order on July 1, and Chief Logan Recreational Center Inc. was added as the sole defendant.
“In light of the dismissal of the State entity defendants and addition of Chief Logan Recreational Center Inc., the parties herein jointly move to transfer this case to Logan County Circuit Court,” a July 12 order states.
Steven Arthur filed a lawsuit March 30 in Kanawha Circuit Court after he was injured at Chief Logan on April 23, 2014.
Arthur claims a man was causing a disturbance and attacked and injured him. He claimed other patrons had told officials about the individual, but no action was taken to remove him from the premises.
The park was negligent in ensuring visitors’ safety and is thus liable for his injuries, including disability, disfigurement and medical expenses, according to the suit.
Arthur is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with interest. He is represented by D. Adrian Hoosier II and Erica Lord of Lord Hoosier PLLC.
Chief Logan is represented by Stephen M. Fowler and Emily L. Lilly of Pullin, Fowler, Flanagan, Brown & Poe PLLC.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Eric O’Briant.
Logan Circuit Court case number: 16-C-162