Centerpoint Energy transfers venue in collision suit

Centerpoint Energy, a defendant in an automobile collision suit, recently had a motion seeking to transfer venue from Jefferson County to Harris County granted. 

As preciously reported, Beaumont local Jamekia Kone and two of her minor children filed suit against Centerpoint Energy and one of its employees, William Lane on July 19 in Jefferson County District Court.

According to the lawsuit, on June 3 Kone and her children were traveling on US 59 in Houston. As Kone slowed for traffic, Lane, who was driving a Centerpoint vehicle, rear-ended her, pushing her vehicle into the car in front of her.

Because the incident happened in Houston, Centerpoint filed a motion to transfer venue to Harris County on Aug. 16, court papers say.

The motion further asserts that venue is proper in Harris County because Lane resides there.

Court records show that on Sept. 10 Kone filed a response, stating that Lane resided in Jefferson County at the time of the incident.

Nonetheless, on Jan. 10 Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, granted the motion, transferring the case to Harris County.

The suit accuses Lane of negligently failing to keep a proper distance between vehicles and driving at an excessive speed. Centerpoint is faulted with negligent entrustment.

The plaintiffs are suing for their alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment and disfigurement, plus all court costs.

Beaumont attorney Clay Dugas represents them.

Centerpoint is represented by Houston attorney Amy Hefley of Baker Botts.

Case No. D192-695