Driver sues for spinal injury after car allegedly hit by light pole knocked over by heavy equipment

GRETNA – A man who claims a light pole fell onto his vehicle while he was driving on Interstate 10 is blaming a heavy equipment operator for knocking over the pole.

Amede J. Smith Jr. filed suit against JB James Construction in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 12.

Smith asserts that on March 6, 2013 he was driving along Interstate 10 westbound in Metairie when a heavy equipment operator employed by JB James Construction ran into a light pole that then fell onto his moving vehicle. The plaintiff alleges that his car was damaged and that he received injuries to his back, neck and spine in the incident.

The defendant is accused of operating heavy equipment in a careless and dangerous manner, failing to keep a proper lookout, being inattentive, causing equipment to strike the light pole, failing to take the necessary precautions to prevent the accident from occurring, carelessly operating equipment, failing to properly and safely operate equipment, failing to properly supervise employee’s activities, violation state and local laws and failing to properly train employees.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical expenses, mental pain and suffering, physical pain and suffering, emotional injuries, permanent bodily damage, potential loss of wages, potential loss of benefits, potential loss of earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life and potential spine injury.

Smith is represented by Randall K. Theunissen of Lafayette-based Allen & Gooch.

The case has been assigned to Division K Judge Ellen Shirer Kovach.

Case no. 735-507.