Opinion ID: 1213491
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: Gary Williamson appeals the dismissal of his lawsuit against Lewis Harden for abuse of process and outrage, however the dispute in this appeal originates in a separate action filed by Dr. Williamson against a grocery store. On May 16, 1999, appellant Williamson was shopping at Martin's Food Market in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Appellee Harden was also present at the store. Dr. Williamson allegedly slipped on the remains of a broken jar of pickles. As a result of Dr. Williamson's fall on the slick floor, his grocery cart fell on top of him, injuring him. Dr. Williamson alleged that the accident caused thousands of dollars in damages and resulted in his inability to continue his dental practice. Apparently Mr. Harden was a witness to the injurious pickle-related incident. Dr. Williamson filed suit against the owner of the store and prior to the trial contacted Mr. Harden about his recollection of the accident. Unbeknownst to Mr. Harden, Dr. Williamson recorded their conversation. On October 3, 2001, the defense called Mr. Harden to the stand and he testified in a manner that Dr. Williamson has characterized as false. Counsel for Dr. Williamson used the audiotape of the earlier conversation to impeach Mr. Harden on the stand. Defense counsel objected and moved for a mistrial because the plaintiff had not provided defense counsel with a copy of the tape during discovery. The trial court granted the motion and declared a mistrial. [1] Within weeks of the first trial, Dr. Williamson filed a new action against Mr. Harden on October 15, 2001, claiming Mr. Harden's testimony constituted abuse of process and outrageous conduct. In his complaint, Dr. Williamson claimed that this conduct caused him mental and physical injuries and subjected him to ridicule and scorn; he demanded $1,000,000 in compensatory damages and $5,000,000 in punitive damages. In response, Mr. Harden filed a motion to dismiss pursuant to W. Va. R. Civ. P. Rule 12(b)(6) and requested sanctions against Dr. Williamson. After several additional motions, on December 21, 2001, the lower court dismissed the case and imposed civil sanctions against Dr. Williamson equal to the cost of defending the action, and amounting to slightly less than $1,000. The lower court denied a motion to reconsider on February 8, 2002, and it is from this final order that Dr. Williamson appeals.