Ambulance driver accused of running stop sign and running into another vehicle

GRETNA – A local hospital and one of its ambulance drivers is being sued for allegedly running a stop sign and colliding with another vehicle, severely injuring its driver.

Robert Catton filed suit against Ishmell D. Johnson, Jefferson Parish Hospital Service District No. 1 and West Jefferson Medical Center in the 24th Judicial District Court on Oct. 14.

Catton alleges that on Nov. 6, 2013 he was struck by an ambulance owned by West Jefferson Medical Center and being driven by Johnson ran a stop sign and collided with Catton’s vehicle. The plaintiff contends that he was severely injured and disabled in the accident.

The defendant is accused of failing to yield and stop, proceeding past a red light, operating a vehicle in negligent manner, failing to see what should have been seen, failing to leave vehicle under proper control, failing to use due care, driving while being inattentive and distracted, failing to keep a proper lookout and driving the vehicle in opposition to parish and state law.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, medical expenses, disability and loss of enjoyment of life.

Catton is represented by J. Alex Watkins of New Orleans-based Capitelli & Wicker.

The case has been assigned to Division O Judge Ross P. LaDart.

Case no. 743-374.