RTA streetcar passenger files $25K suit after sudden stop allegedly threw him to the ground

NEW ORLEANS – An RTA streetcar passenger contends the streetcar operator’s violent stop caused him to incur severe personal injuries.

Walter Lee III filed suit against Regional Transit Authority of New Orleans and Transit Management of Southeast Louisiana in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Jan. 13.

On Dec. 22, 2011, the petitioner was a passenger aboard a Regional Transit Authority of New Orleans (RTA) streetcar running down Canal Street. The plaintiff claims he was seated, when suddenly and without warning, the RTA streetcar operator slammed on the brakes, causing the petitioner to be flung to the floor. The streetcar operator purportedly “jammed on the brakes” to avoid striking a car turning on Canal Street.

The defendants are accused of failing to warn the passengers of a dangerous condition, failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to maintain complete control of the RTA streetcar, failing to adequately protect the passengers and failing to adhere to safety protocol.

The plaintiff is seeking $25,000 worth of damages for medical expenses, mental agony, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of wages and decline in future income.

Attorney Dennis W. Moore represents the petitioner.

The case has been assigned to Div. I Judge Piper D. Griffin.

Case no. 2014-00416.