UPR seeks to swap counsel in collision suit

Union Pacific Railroad has filed a motion to substitute counsel in an automobile collision lawsuit brought over an employee’s collision. 

As previously reported, Kountze resident Joyce Cormier filed suit against Union Pacific Railroad and Jeffry Thibodeaux on Dec. 19 in Jefferson County District Court, seeking damages for injuries she received in the collision.

On Nov. 7 the defendants filed their motion, seeking to substitute their previous attorneys for Adolfo Rodriguez Jr. and Jeffrey Tolley of Rodriguez Law Firm in Dallas.

According to the lawsuit, on Dec. 23, 2010, Cormier was stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of 4th Street and College Street in Beaumont when Thibodeaux, who was operating a truck owned by UPR, rear-ended her.

The suit accuses Thibodeaux of negligently failing to keep a proper lookout and control his rate of speed.

The suit further contends UPR should have known of Thibodeaux’s reckless driving habits.

Cormier is suing for her alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment and disfigurement.

Port Arthur attorney Brandon Monk represents her.

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

Case No. E193-731