Man rear-ends vehicle but sues company that did brake work

Approximately two years ago, Carlton Bellard rear-ended another vehicle while driving his work truck. Now, Bellard is suing Beaumont Frame and Front End Service Inc., claiming the company caused the accident by failing to properly service the truck's brakes.

His suit was filed with the Jefferson County District Court on Dec. 10.

According to the plaintiff's petition, on Dec. 13, 2005, Beaumont Frame and Front End Service was hired by RSC for the purpose of checking and repairing all brakes on a 2000, Ford F-450 work truck. The repairs were completed and the vehicle was released to Bellard's employer on Dec. 14.

"On Dec. 15, 2005, in Orange County�Bellard was within the course and scope of his employment� traveling on IH-l0 when his brakes failed, causing him to rear-end a vehicle," the suit said. "Defendant Beaumont Frame and Front End Service failed to properly repair and inspect said vehicle, resulting in the injuries and damages complained of herein."

Bellard claims the alleged "negligence and carelessness of the defendant" caused him to injure his neck, "which required surgery," the suit said.

"Plaintiff says if in the event he had pre-existing conditions in his body prior to this incident that such conditions were painless and symptom-free, but because of the injuries he suffered in this incident such conditions were lighted up, aggravated and precipitated," the suit said.

Bellard is suing for past and future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, physical impairment, disfigurement, pain and mental anguish.

He is represented by attorney Jonathan Juhan.

Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd Judicial District, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. E180-878