Family of deceased wheelchair bound woman sues van service after she was allegedly thrown to vehicle’s floor

GRETNA – The family of a deceased woman is suing a medical transport service where she was allegedly injured after being thrown from her wheelchair during transport.

Succession of Imogene Charles Smith filed suit against One Bunch Hook Up LLC, an unknown employee and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on Aug. 29.

The plaintiffs allege the deceased, Imogene Charles Smith, was picked up in early September 2013 by a One Bunch Hook Up van driven by an unknown employee who was to transport her to dialysis treatment. The defendant employee allegedly failed to lock Smith’s wheelchair wheels in place or restrain her and when he drove the van around a corner Smith fell from the wheelchair and onto the floor as a result, the suit claims.

The plaintiffs claim that Smith suffered several bodily injuries in the incident.

The defendant is accused of failing to use reasonable vigilance, failing to properly restrain a wheelchair bound passenger, failing to properly secure a wheelchair with available restraints and careless and reckless operation of a motor vehicle.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for all losses.

The plaintiffs are represented by Edwin M. Shorty of New Orleans-based Edwin M. Shorty Jr. & Associates, a Professional Law Corporation, and Hope L. Harper of New Orleans-based H.L. Harper & Associates LLC.

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

Case no. 741-876.