A Jefferson County jury recently found that the worker's compensation benefits the city of Port Arthur paid to one of its employees was not for injuries in an automobile collision.
Seeking to recover more than $34,000 in medical and indemnity benefits, the city sued Port Arthur resident Margaret Brown in August 2008, alleging she rear-ended a city employee.
On Aug. 16 the case went to trial in Judge Milton Shuffield's 136th District Court. The verdict was filed Aug. 18.
Court documents show that Clint Tanner, an equipment operator for the city, was a passenger in a vehicle stopped at a red light near the intersection of 7th Street and U.S. Highway 69, when Brown allegedly "failed to properly control her speed and struck the rear of the vehicle."
Tanner, allegedly injured in the incident, received worker's compensation benefits paid for by the city.
Jurors found that Tanner's injuries were not caused by the automobile collision. No damages were awarded.
In its suit, the city says Tanner received $21,204.99 in medical benefits and $13,551.50 in indemnity benefits.
The city sought $34,756.49 in monies paid for worker's comp benefits, plus interest.
The city is represented in part by Houston attorney Williams Helfand of the Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Martin law firm.
Brown is represented by Beaumont attorney Richard Hatfield.
Case No. D182-314