GRETNA – The mother of a boy who allegedly ran a waverunner into a father and his son, breaking their legs, is being sued.
Jason Guhman, individually and as the administrator of the estate of his minor child, filed suit against Tracey Dietz, individually as the custodial parent and the guardian of two children, individually as natural tutrix of a minor child, Foremost Insurance Company of Grand Rapides and other insurers in the 24th Judicial District Court on July 2.
Guhman alleges that on July 4 and 5, 2014 he and his son were invited to stay at a camp in Delacroix. The plaintiff contends that he and Dietz’s child used waverrunners at the camp. Guhman asserts he was using it with his child and another child on board when one of Dietz’s children approached him on another waverunner at a high rate of speed in an attempt to "slash" them when he collided with their watercraft causing personally injuries to them, including broken legs and ankles. Guhman claims his injuries have required surgery and rehabilitation.
The defendant is accused of allowing an underage person operate a personal watercraft, failing to a take a boating safety class, operating a watercraft in reckless and careless manner, operating a watercraft at an excessive rate of speed, failing to take timely actions to avoid the collision, failing to be educated on safe use of the watercraft, failing to watch the watercraft manufacturer’s safety video and operating a watercraft while unsupervised.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, mental pain and anguish, disability, impairment, disfigurement, scarring, rehabilitation expenses, loss of income, loss of earning capacity, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life and punitive damages.
Guhman is represented by attorney Harry T. Widmann of Metairie.
The case has been assigned to Division H Judge Glenn B. Ansardi.
Case no. 751-218.