Family of man found dead on side of road eight hours after calling 911 sues

GRETNA – The family of a man who was found dead in the cab of his semi on the side of the road eight hours after placing an emergency call is suing the Jefferson Parish Communications District for not dispatching emergency assistance.

Juanita Faulk, Joseph C. Faulk Jr. and Melissa Faulk Coates filed suit against The Jefferson Parish Communications District, 911 in the 24th Judicial District Court on March 6.

The plaintiffs allege that on Sept. 30, 2014 Joseph C. Faulk, their husband and father, was driving a semi truck on Interstate 10 in Jefferson Parish when he side swiped another vehicle. Following the accident, the plaintiffs contend Faulk pulled over to the side of the road and began to experience a heart attack during which he called 911 at 5:56 a.m. in a phone call that lasted 28 seconds. However, the plaintiffs assert the Jefferson Parish Communications District, 911 failed to dispatch an unit to assist in Faulk’s medical emergency and it was not until over eight hours later, at approximately 2 p.m., when he was discovered deceased in the sleeper cab of the truck.

The defendant is accused of failing to provide emergency services, failing to maintain sufficient personnel to adequately respond to 911 calls and failing to investigate the call.

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

The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Kenneth D. St. Pé of Lafayette.

The case has been assigned to Division G Judge E. Adrian Adams.

Case no. 747-534.