Lawsuit Alleges Negligence Against The Cove
LOUISA, Ky. — In a recent legal development, Sasha Dotson, acting on behalf of a minor child, Rex Bowen, has filed a lawsuit against The Cove, a local business operating at Yatesville Lake State Park in Lawrence County, Kentucky. The lawsuit was filed by Attorney Jason Reichenbach of Staffordsville, Kentucky and E. Seth Combs of Hindman, Kentucky and alleges negligence in the operation of the business, leading to severe injuries sustained by Bowen.
According to court documents, the incident in question occurred in June 2023 when Bowen was using one of the slides provided by The Cove for recreational purposes. The lawsuit contends that The Cove negligently operated the slide, resulting in Bowen suffering a fractured skull, brain bleed, and permanent loss of hearing. However, the lawsuit does not specify the exact nature of the negligence.
The Cove, which operates its business through a sub-lease of property from Lawrence County at Yatesville Lake State Park, has not yet publicly commented on the matter.
It’s worth noting that Lawrence County was not named as a party in the lawsuit. The agreement between the County and The Cove stipulates that the business provides liability insurance, thereby potentially absolving the County from legal responsibility.
The Cove is operated by local entrepreneur and business owner, Suzie New, who has worked diligently to enhance the recreational use of Yatesville Lake but independently through her businesses and in conjunction with the county.
Under the legal proceedings, The Cove has been given a period of 20 days to respond to the allegations made in the lawsuit. The case will be heard by Judge John Kevin Holbrook, Circuit Judge of Paintsville. If the case can not be settled then a local jury of 12 will decide the issue of whether there was in fact negligence in the operation of the slide and access damages.
