One of those injured in last February’s rock slide on Monongahela Boulevard has sued the West Virginia University Board of Governors.
Maceon Wheeler was a passenger on the PRT when a rock slide that originated on WVU property rolled down the hillside and “violently crashed into and through the PRT/PRT infrastructure … tossing (Wheeler) inside the PRT as glass particles rained down onto his face, arms and hips,” according to the suit.
The suit was filed in Monongalia County Circuit Court Wednesday on Wheeler’s behalf by Charleston-based attorney Dan Snuffer.
WVU does not comment on pending litigation, according to a spokesperson.
The area of WVU property from where the boulder fell was known for rocks and debris falling. According to the suit, despite its knowledge of the rock slide risks, the board of governors did not take adequate action to stop them or protect the PRT from rockfalls.
Wheeler suffered serious and permanent physical and emotional injuries because of that negligence, the suit states. His injuries include four fractures and permanent physical impairment.
The suit seeks compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, inconvenience, medical expenses, attorney’s fees and other damages. Wheeler is the third person injured in that incident to sue. Susan D. Cramer and Chloe Bolin, both represented by Dino Colombo, filed their suits in August 2020.
Cramer, who was in a car that crashed into a falling boulder, suffered multiple serious injuries leaving her with permanent disabilities and unable to return to work, her suit said. Bolin was also riding in a PRT car and suffered multiple pelvic fractures and other injuries, according to her suit.
