Man Files Suit Against Former Employer Over Attack By Coworker

A former employee of Keaton’s Collision Center has filed suit against his employer for the personal injuries he suffered when he was attacked by a co-worker.

On December 3, Barry G. Plumley filed suit in West Virginia’s Cabell Circuit Court against Keaton’s Collision Center and owner Rick Keaton claiming that he was attacked on August 27, 2008 by another employee, James Clay.

Plumley says he was employed at the collision center as a collision estimator from January 2005 until September 3, 2008.

The suit alleges that during the attack, Clay’s manager, Troy Handley, stood by, watched, and laughed, as Clay attacked Plumley, making no effort to stop it.

Plumley says he suffered a ruptured rotator cuff of his right shoulder, which required surgery and other medical treatment, injuries to his head and neck, and hearing loss.

The suit says Plumley was fired by Handley while he was out of work because of the injuries and applying for workers’ compensation benefits.

Plumley seeks compensatory and punitive damages for his injuries, lost wages, back pay, front pay, and reinstatement to his job.