Truck dealership sued after woman run over by 18-wheeler

NEW ORLEANS – A Slidell truck dealership is being sued by a New Orleans man after a semi truck serviced and sold by Empire allegedly shifted gears and dragged his wife several feet.

Wayne Marable, individually and as curator on behalf of Connie Marable, filed a lawsuit against Empire Truck Sales of Louisiana, LLC and Curtis Wayne Hudspeth in the Orleans Parish Central District Court.

The plaintiff claims that following several problems with his truck accidentally slipping into gear he took it to be serviced by the defendant. Marable asserts that after the truck was serviced he experienced more problems and proceeded to take it back to the defendant where he was again assured the truck was in proper working order.

The incident left Marble's wife severely injured and sent her into a coma, the suit claims.

The defendant is accused of failure to properly investigate the condition of the tractor, failure to further investigate the condition of the tractor after the petitioner brought it back for a second time and failure to properly warn petitioner of the flawed conditions of the tractor.

An unspecified amount is sought for all damages including pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, permanent disability of the body, special aids, loss of quality of life, Lejeune damages and loss of consortium.

The plaintiff is represented by J. Bart Kelly of Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest, LLC.

This case has been assigned to Division L Judge Kern A. Reese.

Case no. 2012-10523.