GALVESTON - The defendants in a recent lawsuit over a wreck along a stretch of Interstate 10 near Houston have formally responded to the plaintiff's allegations.
In a six-page original answer filed Feb. 14, League City residents Melissa and Ricky Neal state that Jefferson Davis Parish, La., native Jill Gayle "erroneously" sued them for the March 31, 2011, incident.
Gayle alleges Melissa Neal, doing business as National Grave Liners and National Cemetery Service, made a lane change "with deep disregard" for her vehicle and brought on the subject collision as both parties traveled westbound on I-10.
The complainant adds she was subjected "to tremendous force and serious injury."
Rick Neal and the business are faulted for negligently entrusting the company-owned vehicle and trailer to Melissa Neal.
The respondents insist they did not do anything to inflict injury onto Gayle, stating the disputed event "was solely caused by persons, entities, instrumentalities and/or factors other than the defendants and over whom the defendants possessed no right of control or had no responsibilities."
Their rebuttal adds the plaintiff's purported injuries and damages are attributed to "pre-existing problems or pathological conditions" not caused by the Neals or their company.
Attorney Wade Williams with Lewis & Williams LLP in Galveston is representing the respondents.
Case No. 13-CV-0066