Two of the people injured in a February rock slide that left boulders on Monongahela Boulevard and the PRT track have filed lawsuits against the West Virginia University Board of Governors.
Susan D. Cramer and Chloe Bolin are both represented by Dino Colombo, who filed the suits this week in Monongalia County Circuit Court.
Both plaintiffs seek compensatory damages for pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, inconvenience, past and future medical expenses, attorney’s fees, pre-and-post-judgment interest, and other damages.
Cramer crashed into a large rock that fell from WVU’s property while traveling toward the Coliseum and was “seriously and permanently injured,” according to the suit. It also states that the property was in such a dangerous condition that it was “common” for large rocks to fall from the property. In fact, a January 25, 1983 Daily Athenaeum article showing a large boulder in almost the same spot is attached to both suits.
Despite knowledge of the dangerous situation, WVU did not take action, the suit said.
“For 30 years or more Defendant WVUBOG had actual knowledge that on a regular basis the hillside on The WVU Property which the Defendant owned and controlled, was slipping, collapsing, and large boulders, rocks, mud and other debris would frequently and repeatedly fall,” the suit said.
Cramer, 65 at the time of the crash, suffered multiple serious injuries leaving her with permanent disabilities and unable to return to work, the suit said. She can not walk without an assistive device and can’t care for herself without the help of friends and family.
Cramer suffered 11 injuries, including a fractured right femur, fractured sternum, fractured lumbar spine and multiple rib fractures — which left her with $402,706.74 in medical expenses to date, the suit said.
Bolin, a WVU student, was riding in a PRT car when it collided with a rock that landed on the PRT tracks, the suit said.
She suffered multiple pelvic fractures and other injuries with over $100,000 in medical expenses, according to the suit.
Bolin required a long period of recovery and her classroom work, ability to enjoy everyday activities and to carry out everyday responsibilities were “severely limited or discontinued entirely,” according to the suit.
