GALVESTON - Local resident Erica Hanley is suing the Galveston County Health District after an accident with one of its ambulances.
Recent court documents filed Oct. 23 in Galveston County District Court show the two-vehicle wreck in question occurred at Avenue O and 25th Street in Galveston last Aug. 27.
According to the suit, Hanley was driving west on O while the GHCD vehicle, which was driven by employees Nathan Kohn and Tyler Stenzel, traveled north on 25th.
Hanley asserts she was crossing the intersection when the ambulance supposedly ignored a stop sign and struck her vehicle, adding its sirens were not used.
The plaintiff reportedly suffered "severe injuries to her left forearm, right hand, low back, upper lip and other parts of her body as well as a closed head injury.
Kohn and Stenzel, who join GHCD as co-defendants in the case, are blamed for:
- Failing to timely apply the brakes;
- Failing to maintain a proper lookout and speed;
- Failing to control speed;
- Failing to keep the vehicle under proper control;
- Failing to maintain an assured clear distance; and
- Failing to safely operated the vehicle.
Consequently, Hanley seeks no more than $1 million in damages and a jury trial.
Attorney Christopher J. Leavitt with The Buzbee Law Firm in Houston is representing the plaintiff, and Galveston County 56th District Court Judge Lonnie Cox is presiding over the case.
Case No. 12-cv-2314