CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Bill Wooton has returned to work after suffering a medical incident during oral arguments earlier this week.
In a statement released following the incident, Wooton said he had been feeling under the weather and became severely dehydrated while court proceedings were underway. He said the dehydration triggered the sudden illness that prompted concern among fellow justices, court staff, and those in attendance.
The justice expressed gratitude to his colleagues on the state’s highest court, as well as court security officers and first responders who quickly came to his aid. Wooton was transported to a hospital for evaluation, where he received fluids and treatment before being released.
“I want to thank everyone for their prayers and best wishes for my complete recovery,” Wooton said. He added that after treatment he was feeling much better and was able to return to work the following day.
Wooton also thanked West Virginians for their support and well wishes, saying he is grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of the Mountain State from the bench of the West Virginia Supreme Court.
Officials have indicated that dehydration was the cause of the incident, and Wooton says he has resumed his regular duties at the court.
