Go-kart accident causes rift between families

A Beaumont family has sued a neighboring couple for alleged negligence in a go-kart accident involving their son.

Ryan Olivier and Jennifer Olivier filed a lawsuit on their own behalf and for their minor child, Ethan Olivier, on Feb. 10 in Jefferson County District Court against Ricky Ratley and Connie Ratley, as next friend of minor Austin Ratley, citing negligence.

According to the suit, on April 25, 2014, the Olivier and Ratley children were riding together in a go-kart on the Ratleys’ property in Beamount when the go-kart, driven by Austin Ratley flipped over, and Ethan Olivier suffered a broken arm. Neither set of parents knew that the children were operating the cart, the suit states.

Ethan’s fractures were to his right arm and wrist, inflicted in a manner affecting growth areas, according to the suit. The complaint cites negligence. Ryan and Jennifer Olivier seek to recover damages from the defendants for past and future physical pain and mental anguish, medical expenses, and impairment and disability.

Legal representation was not cited in court documents.

Jefferson County District Court: case number A-196683