A Louisiana resident has filed a lawsuit against the United States of America, claiming significant personal injuries due to a car accident involving a postal service vehicle. Ariente Williams lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on July 2, 2024, naming the United States of America as the defendant.
The case stems from an incident on January 5, 2020, when Williams was driving her 2015 Nissan Sentra on Dave Dixon Drive near Julia Street in Orleans Parish. According to the complaint, Warren Daniels, operating a United States Postal Service vehicle, rear-ended Williams' car. At the time of the collision, Daniels was allegedly performing his duties within the scope of his employment with the United States Postal Service. The plaintiff argues that Daniels' actions were negligent and directly caused her injuries.
Williams accuses Daniels of several acts of negligence including careless operation of his vehicle, failure to maintain proper lookout and timely apply brakes, and failure to exercise due care for others' safety. She also alleges that Daniels violated multiple traffic laws and ordinances. Furthermore, Williams claims that the United States Postal Service is vicariously liable for Daniels' actions under the doctrine of respondeat superior.
In addition to holding Daniels accountable, Williams asserts that the United States Postal Service itself exhibited negligence through improper hiring and retention practices regarding Daniels. She alleges that they failed to adequately train or supervise him and did not instruct him on safe driving practices necessary to avoid collisions.
As a result of this crash, Williams reports having suffered substantial pain and suffering requiring medical treatment. She lists her damages as including past, present, and future pain and suffering; mental anguish; physical disfigurement; physical impairment; and medical expenses totaling $283,636.10.
Williams seeks judgment against the United States of America for these damages along with legal interest and court costs. She requests that after due proceedings are had there be a judgment rendered in her favor.
Representing Ariente Williams is attorney Warren A. Forstall Jr., from The Law Offices of Warren A. Forstall Jr., LLC based in New Orleans. The case will be overseen by judges from the Eastern District of Louisiana under Case ID 2:24-cv-01680.