Plaintiff designates experts in hotel stabbing suit

A Wichita Falls resident has designated expert witnesses in his personal injury suit against an area motel.

As previously reported, Juan Sustaita filed suit against the Driftwood Inn in Port Arthur on March 20, 2012, in Jefferson County District Court, alleging the motel failed to stop three men from stabbing and robbing him.

Court records show Sustaita designated the experts on June 3.

Some of the experts include Dr. David Parkus of Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth and investigating officer Marcelo Molfino of the Port Arthur Police Department.

According to the lawsuit, Sustaita was staying at the motel when three men broke into his room, stabbed him multiple times and robbed him, leaving him for dead afterwards.

“Mr. Sustaita was able to contact help and survived,” the suit states. “As a result of defendant’s failure to provide … any form (of) security, even though criminal activity on and around the premises was known and frequent, plaintiff suffered severe and permanent injuries.”

The suit further accuses Driftwood Inn of failing to warn customers of the dangerous condition that exists on its premises.

In addition to exemplary damages, the plaintiff is suing for his alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages, plus all court costs.

Provost Umphrey attorney Matthew Matheny represents him.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. A192-196