HUNTINGTON — A man is suing Cabell County mental health care providers, alleging their negligence led to the plaintiff suffering injuries on a basketball court.
Scott Allen Harrison filed a lawsuit Sept. 26 in Cabell Circuit Court against Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital, The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and The West Virginia Bureau of Behavioral Health and Health Facilities, alleging failure to provide a safe environment.
According to the complaint, on Oct. 9, 2014, Harrison was involuntarily confined as an inpatient at the defendants' mental health facility. The suit says while playing basketball, he was injured by a protruding pole and a concrete slab. The lawsuit states Harrison broke his ankle in two places.
The suit says Harrison's injuries are permanent and debilitating, resulting in future pain and suffering, annoyance and medical expenses. The plaintiff alleges the defendants breached their duty to provide grounds and a facility free from hazards.
Harrison seeks trial by jury, monetary damages, punitive damages, all interest, attorney fees and court costs, plus all other available relief. He is represented by attorney Claude S. Smith III of The Law Offices of Claude S. Smith III in Charleston.
Cabell Circuit Court Case number 16-c-611