Former prisoners sue Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office over prison transport bus accident

GRETNA – A trio of prisoners who were in an accident while riding in an Orleans Parish Prison transport bus are suing.

Sharon Lacombe, Nukema Frith and Jazzma Palmer filed suit against Marlin N. Gusman Sheriff of the Parish of Orleans in his official capacity as employer of an unknown deputy, the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office, Orleans Parish Prison and an unknown deputy in the 24th Judicial District Court on Nov. 12.

Lacombe, Frith and Palmer claim that on Nov. 12, 2012 they were riding in a prison transport bus headed for Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women that was being driven by an unknown deputy employed by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office when it ran into the rear of another prison transport bus. The plaintiffs assert that the driver also nearly hit the bus two other times when swerving to miss cars along the way. All three women claim they received injuries in the incident.

Lacombe claims she received injuries to her knee, neck, spine and shoulder. She alleges that due to her injuries she is not able to lift her arm over her head for work or pick up anything over 10 pounds.

Frith claims she received injuries to her head, neck, back, leg and now suffers from severe headaches.

Palmer claims she received neck and back injuries in the incident.

The defendant is accused of driving too close, driving too fast for conditions, failing to see what should have been seen, running into another vehicle, failing to yield, failing to stop and having an incompetent driver drive the vehicle in which the plaintiffs were riding.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain and suffering, los of wage earning capacity, medical bills, loss of enjoyment of life, residual disability and loss of enjoyment of life.

The defendants are represented by attorney John F. McKay of Baton Rouge.

The case has been assigned to Division B Judge Cornelius E. Regan.

Case no. 732-819.