Man names insurer, others in wrongful death suit

A Rosharon man is suing three professionals and an insurance company under allegations of wrongful death and negligence.

William Harris filed a lawsuit in Galveston County District Court on Feb. 19 against Althea Thomas of Texas City, Anika Bell-Gray of Galveston, Farmers Insurance of Oklahoma City and John Humprey, of Lamarque, Texas, claiming negligence in the 2013 death of Clara Richardson.

According to the claims, Clara Richardson, 74, fell while on defendant Thomas’ property at 2531 28th Ave. North, Texas City, on Dec. 11, 2012. She was admitted to the hospital for possible symptoms of brain damage and died on Feb. 10, 2013.

The plaintiff alleges that Thomas had placed cinder blocks in her driveway that caused the deceased to fall without the proper permits and without posting a warning sign, and that Thomas, the last person to see her alive, failed to alert authorities after Richardson complained of not feeling well.

According to court documents, the decedent’s doctor, Anika Bell-Gray, failed to order an autopsy; John N. Humprey, funeral home director, failed to report a bruise on the body; and Farmers Insurance Company denied a personal injury claim filed by Richardson prior to her death.

Claiming deliberate indifference to Richardson’s condition, the plaintiff seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, expenses and costs. He is self-represented.

Galveston County District Court case number 15-CV-0165