Family sues Port Arthur over auto collision with city employee

Three Jefferson County residents are blaming the city of Port Arthur for an injury they sustained in an auto collision.

Luis Membrano, Maria Membrano and Rosario Membrano filed a lawsuit June 2 in Jefferson County District Court against the city.

According to the suit, on March 30 the vehicle driven by Luis Membrano was stopped at a traffic light in the eastbound inner lane in the 4900 block of Highway 87.

At that time, Port Arthur city employee Gerald Comeaux allegedly failed to brake and struck the rear of Luis's vehicle, pushing his car into the intersection, according to the complaint.

Because of the accident, Luis Membrano suffered injuries to his head, neck and back, the suit states.

Marie Membrano, who was riding in the car at the time of the incident, suffered injuries to her chest, back and neck, the complaint says.

Rosario Membrano, who was also a passenger in the car, says she suffered injuries to her head, neck and back.

All three claim they suffered severe pain and discomfort, have undergone medical treatments, incurred medical costs and experienced mental anguish, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, physical impairment and lost earnings.

The city of Port Arthur is liable because it hired Comeaux to drive the vehicle, the complaint says.

According to the plaintiffs, Comeaux was negligent by driving too fast, by failing to keep a proper lookout, by failing to timely apply his brakes, by driving in a negligent manner and by being inattentive.

The Membranos are seeking unspecified damages, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief to which they may be entitled.

Clay Dugas and Mike Jacobellis of Beaumont will be representing them.

The case has been assigned to Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court.

Jefferson County District Court case number: A184-191.