Lawsuit Filed after Man Falls in Hole

Our firm is currently representing a Charleston man who filed a complaint in Kanawha Circuit Court against the West Virginia-American Water Co., after falling seven feet into a hole located near his home. Ryan Gibson alleges the company breached its duty to maintain a safe space and that the company did nothing to prevent injuries while it was investigating a leak.

The complaint states that Gibson suffered injuries including a sprained ankle, back, and abdominal pain, as well as annoyance and inconvenience due to his injuries, in May 2015 when he fell into the hole.

According to the complaint, the water company is responsible because it did not install enough lighting in the area and did not display adequate warning signs to alert passersby to the risk.

The plaintiff is requesting a jury trial and is seeking compensatory damages, costs, interest, attorney fees, and other relief.

Helping Clients Get the Compensation They Deserve from Injuries Caused by Negligence

This is not the first time our firm has worked with someone injured because of the incompetence or carelessness of a company. Companies that are supposed to make an effort to make work sites safe and ensure the well-being of those affected by their work often neglect to take the appropriate measures.

When a business is negligent, they should be held accountable for their action or inaction. Negligence is defined as “conduct that falls below the standards of behavior established by law for the protection of others against unreasonable risk of harm.”

Companies are expected to take reasonably prudent action to protect others and if this duty is breached and they do not conform to the required standard of conduct, they can be held accountable for anything that occurs. Sadly, it is often just a few extra minutes or a small investment of money needed to save these business’s significant time and money in the long run. In this case of Mr. Gibson, additional warning signs and lightimg would have protected him and other residents in the area.

If you have been injured because of carelessness or oversight by an individual or company, we can help. It is within your rights to take legal action and seek compensation for your injuries, and pain and suffering if you have been hurt because of another’s action or inaction.

For more information or to speak to someone from our office about your situation, contact Heavens Law at 888-897-5377.