Opinion ID: 1277627
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Thomas E. Pritchard

Text: Mr. Pritchard was employed as a salesman by the Letter Shop, Inc., a private business in Logan. On July 12, 1988, he slipped and fell on a handicap access ramp located on a public sidewalk owned and maintained by the City of Logan. Mr. Pritchard's injuries occurred in the course of and resulting from his employment. He applied for workers' compensation benefits and received a 10 percent permanent partial disability award. Mr. Pritchard and his wife also instituted a civil action in the Circuit Court of Logan County against the City, alleging that the City was negligent in failing to maintain and repair the sidewalk and in applying paint to the sloped surface of the access ramp, causing it to become slippery when wet. The City moved for summary judgment on the ground that it was immune from suit under W.Va.Code, 29-12A-5(a)(11). By order dated April 27, 1992, the circuit court certified to this Court certain questions relating to the constitutionality and proper construction of the statute. [3]