West Virginia Man Sues after Fall into Manhole

By Amy Hill

Published on April 19, 2007

According to the suit, Adrian White was injured when he stepped on a manhole cover on Aug. 3, 2006, near the playing field at McKinley Middle School, where he was watching his son’s game.

The complaint says that when White stepped on the cover, it came loose and he fell into the utility line. White needed to be pulled out of the utility line and was unable to walk after the accident due to the pain in his injured leg.

White contacted the city of South Charleston and the Kanawha County Board of Education after his injury; however, both denied ownership of the utility line, each claiming that the other party was responsible.

The suit says that the cover was defective or not maintained properly, which led to it coming loose after being stepped on. The suit also says that the manhole cover was in an area that was easily accessible to bystanders, including children, who could have become injured.

White required surgery for the injuries to his leg and is seeking compensation from both parties to cover his injury and medical costs.

Comment on this article →