WAYNE — A Boone County minor is suing a youth housing center, alleging professional malpractice and negligence.
Seth Blevins of Danville filed a complaint in Wayne Circuit Court against Stepping Stones Inc., Susan Fry, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Pam King and John Does 1-2, alleging the defendants failed to proved the plaintiff with a safe and nurturing residence free from battery and assault from other residents.
According to the complaint, on Oct. 5, 2016, Blevins, as a minor, was taken into custody of Pam King, a social worker and an employee of Boone County Department of Health and Human Resources based upon truancy issues. The suit says he became a resident of Stepping Stones.
Blevins says during his residency, he was the victim at least twice of assault and battery by other residents, which was videotaped and posted on Facebook. Furthermore, the suit alleges, despite reporting the incident to the staff of the Stepping Stones, Blevins said he never spoke to King, the social worker assigned to his case.
As a result, Blevins alleges he suffered serious bodily injuries, severe emotional distress and loss of the capacity for the enjoyment of life.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to monitor the residents and staff of Stepping Stones and failed to ensure that Blevins would be a success in school, both academically and socially, and free from the scorn, ridicule and violence of other residents.
Blevins seeks trial by jury, compensatory, punitive and exemplary damages, attorney fees, court costs, pre- and post-judgment interest, and all other just relief. He is represented by attorney Jon D. Hoover of Hoover Law PLLC in Barboursville.
Wayne Circuit Court case number 18-C-75