Bicyclist sues over alleged injuries from accident on bridge

GRETNA – A bicyclist who claims she was injured when she was thrown to the pavement after her bike tire got caught in a groove on a bridge is suing the companies that designed and constructed it as well as the levee district where it is located.

Debbie Huntsman, Edward Huntsman, Sherri Talazac and Chris Talazac filed suit against Boh Bros. Construction Co. LLC, ECM Consultants Inc. and East Jefferson Levee District in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 4.

Debbie Huntsman claims that on June 28, 2014 she was riding her bicycle across the Duncan Canal Bridge in Kenner that is part of a bicycle and jogging path running along the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. The plaintiffs allege that as Debbie Huntsman was riding across the bridge one of her tires became wedged in a deep groove in the bridge’s surface and she was thrown from the moving bicycle and as a result suffered serious injuries. Debbie Huntsman contends that Boh Bros. Construction Co. was responsible for the bridge’s construction which was designed by ECM Consultants Inc. on property owned and maintained by the East Jefferson Levee District.

The defendants are accused of negligence and failing to use reasonable care.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, aggravation, annoyance, discomfort, mental anguish, medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium.

The plaintiffs is represented by Gina M. Palermo of New Orleans-based Huber, Slack, Thomas & Marcelle LLP.

The case has been assigned to Division J Judge Stephen C. Grefer.

Case no. 746-438.