While most people call an ambulance because they're injured, Curtis Guillory claimed he was injured because of riding in an ambulance.
The city of Beaumont settled a lawsuit brought by Guillory on Monday, Dec. 1, agreeing to pay him $5,000 for injures he received while being transported in a city ambulance four years ago.
The case settled minutes before the trial was set to start in Judge Milton Shuffield's 136th Judicial District.
According to court documents, on Dec. 26, 2004, Guillory began to experience complications from the medication he had been prescribed for a spider bite. He called for help and was picked up by a city ambulance.
On the way to Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth's, Guillory fell of his gurney, "causing him serious injuries and damages," say court documents.
On Sept. 18, 2006, more than a year later, Guillory filed his suit against the city.
"Defendant's employees who operated the ambulance failed to secure the gurney … and prevent movement," the suit says. "Due to the speed and quick take off of the ambulance, the gurney violently struck the door … and knocked Guillory off the gurney."
In its answer to Guillory's suit, the city denied his allegations and claimed it had governmental immunity.
One of the ambulance's personnel was present at the settlement.
The city agreed to pay Guillory $5,000 for his mental anguish and medical costs.
No attorney's fees were awarded, with both parties agreeing to accept their own costs.
As a condition of the settlement, the city is asking for the suit to be dismissed with prejudice.
The plaintiff's counsel said he had no problem with the city's motion.
Guillory was represented by Houston attorney Sylvester Anderson.
The city was represented by Joseph Sanders, assistant city attorney.
Case No. D177-552