Plaintiff’s attorney Lawdermilk withdraws from injury suit, cites conflict with client

Beaumont plaintiff’s attorney Rocky Lawdermilk had his motion to withdraw recently granted in a lawsuit alleging his former client fell in a hole adjacent to the road while riding her bicycle. 

As previously reported, Judie Williams filed a lawsuit April 15, 2012, in Jefferson County District Court against PM Construction and Rehab.

Court records show Williams’ attorney, Lawdermilk, filed his motion to withdraw on Aug. 27, asserting a conflict has arisen between him Williams and it would be in her best interest to obtain other counsel to represent her.

The motion did not state the nature of the conflict.

Nonetheless, on Oct. 4 Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, granted the motion, abating the case for 60 days while Williams obtains new counsel.

Williams claims she fell in a large hole next to the road that had been created by PM Construction.

Just before the incident, Williams was riding her bicycle down 10th Avenue near the 1800 block in Port Arthur at about 8 p.m. Dec. 4. Williams claimed she was not able to see the hole because PM Construction had failed to mark or barricade its perimeter, according to the complaint.

Due to the incident, Williams sustained severe injuries to her head, face, neck and back; incurred medical costs; and suffered physical pain and mental anguish, the suit states. She also suffered physical impairment, disability and disfigurement, the complaint says.

Williams accuses PM Construction of negligence, saying it created a dangerous condition, failed to warn of a dangerous condition, failed to correct a dangerous condition, failed to install warning signs, failed to provide sufficient training and failed to keep the area in a safe and proper condition.

She seeks an unspecified judgment, plus interest at the legal rate, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Case No. E194-243