Woman sues bike owner after not-so-easy ride

Claiming she was taken for a motorcycle ride against her will, Carolyn Pattarozzi fell off the bike when the driver hit a curb. She is suing Kevin Simien, the driver of the motorcycle who she says abandoned her even though she was injured.

Pattarozzi's suit was filed in the Jefferson County District Court on Feb. 19.

According to the plaintiff's petition, on May 6, 2006, Pattarozzi was leaving the West Bar & Grill in Beaumont when she stopped to look at a motorcycle parked in the restaurant's parking lot. She said the owner of the motorcycle, Simien, told her she could sit on the bike.

"As soon as plaintiff sat down on the motorcycle, defendant started the motorcycle and took off with plaintiff on the back of the motorcycle," the suit said. "Despite plaintiff's protests and requests to be let off the motorcycle, defendant drove into a nearby neighborhood and refused to stop or let plaintiff get off the motorcycle.

"Defendant ran a stop sign and hit a curb throwing plaintiff off the motorcycle where she landed in a yard. As a result of the accident, plaintiff suffered serious personal injuries and damages, including a broken right foot. Defendant then abandoned plaintiff without helping her get medical care."

Pattarozzi asserts Simien was negligent for failing to stop at a stop sign, apply his brakes and control his rate of speed.

She is suing for mental anguish and medical expenses, plus all court costs.

Pattarozzi is demanding a trial by jury and is represented by attorney Kenneth Lewis of the Bush Lewis law firm.

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

Case No. E181-262