Suit claims girl's premature birth due to collision

A Vidor woman claims her minor daughter gave premature birth following a collision. 

Patsy Jo Norman filed a lawsuit Sept. 28 against Tarah Louise Lee.

Norman claims her minor daughter was riding in a vehicle traveling south in the 4000 block of Dowlen in Beaumont on Oct. 1, 2010, when Lee collided with the vehicle. At the time, the minor was pregnant and gave birth prematurely, according to the complaint.

Because of her early birth, baby girl was born with lung and breathing problems, the suit states. In addition, the baby's mother suffered head, neck and back injuries and sustained a deteriorated physical and mental condition, the complaint says.

Both the baby and her mother lost their enjoyment of life; experienced physical pain, suffering and mental anguish; lost wages; incurred medical costs; and lost earnings because of the accident, Norman claims.

Norman blames Lee for causing the collision, saying she negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, drove too fast, failed to apply her brakes, failed to turn to the right to avoid a collision, failed to drive in a prudent manner and failed to control her speed.

In her complaint, Norman is seeking actual damages in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre- and post-judgment interest at the highest rate allowed by law, exemplary damages, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Wyatt D. Snider and Russell W. Heald of Snider Law Firm in Beaumont will be representing her.

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

Case No. E193-237