CHARLESTON — A resident is suing West Virginia-American Water Co.after he was injured by falling into a 7-feet-deep hole near his home.
Ryan Gibson filed a complaint in Kanawha Circuit Court against the water systems company, alleging that it breached its duty to maintain its work space in a safe condition. Gibson also alleges that the firm didn't take adequate measures to prevent injuries while investigating a water leak.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff sustained personal injuries on May 23, 2015, when he unexpectedly fell into a hole dug by the defendant's crew. The plaintiff suffered a sprained ankle, back and abdominal pain, annoyance and inconvenience, the complaint said. The plaintiff holds West Virginia-American Water Co. responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to install sufficient lighting in the work area and failed to provide adequate warning signs around the hole to prevent individuals from falling into it.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensatory damages, interest, costs, attorney fees and other relief. He is represented by Christopher J. Heavens of Heavens Law Firm PLLC in Charleston.
Kanawha Circuit Court Case number 17-c-320
