CHARLESTON — A Charleston mother is suing a publishing company, alleging negligence in the injuries of her son.by a vending machine.
Ellen C. Johnstone filed a complaint in Kanawha Circuit Court against Clarksburg Publishing Company Inc., doing business as NCWV Media, alleging failure to follow applicable safety guidelines and regulations.
According to the complaint, on July 7, Johnstone's minor child, Charles J. Johnstone, suffered serious injuries to his face and body when he was pinned under an unsecured State Journal newspaper vending machine that was owned and operated by the defendant at Summers Street in Charleston. The suit says the machine toppled over the minor child as a result of the defendant's negligence.
The plaintiff alleges NCWV Media failed to properly secure the vending machine to the ground and failed to warn the general public of the dangers of fall-over accidents.
Ellen Johnstone seeks trial by jury, compensatory damages, court costs, interest and all other just relief. She is represented by attorneys Charles M. Johnstone II and David A. Dobson of Johnstone & Gabhart LLP in Charleston.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 18-C-1146
