FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man alleges a used hypodermic needle left by a previous customer in a car he rented punctured his finger.
Jerry Talbert and Stephanie Talbert filed a complaint Sept. 13 in Fayette Circuit Court against EAN Holdings LLC, doing business as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on Sept. 23, 2015, they rented a vehicle from the defendant at its Beckley location. Jerry Talbert alleges he was injured when a used medical hypodermic needle, which was left by the defendant's previous customer in the car, punctured his right second fingertip. He alleges he had to undergo extensive medical testing to determine if he had contracted HIV, hepatitis and/or other communicable diseases.
The plaintiffs allege they suffered emotional distress, worry and loss of consortium.
The plaintiffs hold EAN Holdings LLC responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to properly inspect and/or clean the vehicle prior to renting it to plaintiffs.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek compensation in an amount that will fairly compensate plaintiffs injuries and damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney's fees, costs and expenses and all other just and proper relief. They are represented by Shawn R. Romano of Romano & Associates PLLC in Charleston. The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Paul M. Blake Jr.
Fayette Circuit Court case number 17-C-283