Sister of elderly man with dementia who died after falling from motorized vehicle sues

GRETNA – The family of a 79-year-old man who allegedly died after falling from a recreational vehicle he was driving is suing the owners of the vehicle who also owned the property where the accident occurred.

Diane Harris, individually and as the administratrix of the estate of Alfred Joseph Milligan, filed suit against Darrel Lewis, Valeria Lewis and their homeowner’s insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 4.

Harris alleges that her brother Alfred Joseph Milligan was visiting the Lewis home on March 16, 2013 when he was driving a recreational vehicle that necessitated the rider to wear a motorcycle helmet. The plaintiff asserts that at the time her 79-years-old brother had been diagnosed with dementia, declining cognitive state, poor insight and judgment and other medical conditions. Harris claims Milligan fell off the vehicle and hit his head on the ground and that within three weeks he had died from a closed head injury.

The defendant is accused of failing to prohibit a 79-year-old man in poor health to operate a motorized vehicle, failing to adequately supervise Milligan, failing to require Milligan to wear appropriate protective head gear and failing to get him medical attention after he sustained a closed head injury.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for Milligan’s wrongful death.

Harris is represented by attorney Mark M. Dennis of Covington.

The case has been assigned to Division C Judge June Berry Darensburg.

Case no. 737-121.