PRINCETON – A McDowell County woman says slipped and fell because of oil on the carpet at a building owned by Bluefield Regional Medical Center.
Stephanie and Robert Riggs filed their complaint against Bluefield Hospital Company LLC in Mercer Circuit Court.
According to the complaint, Stephanie Riggs had a doctor’s appointment at a building owned by the defendant on March 11, 2019. As she entered the building, she slipped and fell on a carpet at the doorway.
“Maintenance advised her that the oil from the door closer had leaked underneath the carpet,” the complaint states. “The oil was not detectable on the dark-colored carpet. The door closer was immediately repaired after the area was cleaned. There were no warning signs posted regarding the oil and dangerous condition.”
Riggs says she injured her left knee and right shoulder. She blames BRMC for negligently and carelessly breaching its duty by allowing a hazardous condition to exist and for failing to warn of the hazard.
She says she has suffered physical injuries, general body aches, discomfort, inconvenience, anxiety, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life as well as medical expenses. Her husband said he has suffered a loss of consortium, love, affection, services, society and companionship.
They seek compensatory damages as well as court costs, attorney fees, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief.
In its answer, the hospital denies the claims and seeks to have the complaint dismissed.
The couple is being represented by attorney Gloria M. Stephens of Welch. The hospital is being represented by Sam Fox and Morgan Villers of Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Mark Wills.
Mercer Circuit Court case number 20-C-162
