GRETNA – A motorist who allegedly lost control of her car after hitting a patch of ice on the Causeway Bridge and collided with a concrete guardrail is suing the governmental body in control of the bridge for not removing the ice.
Ana Lambert filed suit against Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission, Carlton Dufrechou, The Causeway Police Department, The State of Louisiana through the Department of Transportation and Development and Ironshore Specialty Insurance Company in the 24th Judicial District Court on Jan. 15.
Lambert alleges she was driving northbound on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge on Jan. 24, 2014 at 8:12 a.m. when her vehicle hit a patch of ice on the metal surface of a drawbridge and she lost control of her car causing it to sliding into a concrete barrier. The plaintiff contends the defendants, who are in control of the bridge’s condition, did not apply chemicals or materials to the bridge to remedy the icy conditions. Lambert also asserts the defendants did not provide warning of the ice or close the bridge due to lack of safety. The plaintiff claims she received severe injuries to her back in the incident.
The defendant is accused of failing to adequately maintain the bridge, failing to remedy a hazard, allowing a hazard to exist, allowing an unreasonably dangerous traffic control, failing to take all appropriate safety actions, failing to warn of a hazard, failing to inspect the premises and failing to properly train and monitor employees.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for personal injuries, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and medical expenses.
Lambert is represented by Miguel A. Elias of the Kenner-based Law Office of Miguel A. Elias.
The case has been assigned to Division G Judge E. Adrian Adams.
Case no. 745-841.
Motorist claims accident on icy roadway responsibility of bridge authority
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