BEAUMONT – Nearly two years after initially dismissing an auto collision suit against Jefferson County, the Ninth Court of Appeals has affirmed a ruling denying the county’s plea to the jurisdiction.
In April 2016, Luis Reyes was injured when a county employee allegedly collided with his vehicle. Two years later, he filed suit under the Texas Tort Claims Act.
The county responded by filing a plea to the jurisdiction, asserting Reyes failed to provide notice to the Jefferson County Commissioners Court.
Judge Baylor Wortham, 136th District Court, denied the plea, prompting the appeal, court records show.
On appeal, Reyes had argued the trial court’s denial was proper because he provided pre-suit notice.
Nonetheless, on Nov. 15, 2018 the Ninth Court determined he failed to provide formal written notice.
The case ended up before the Texas Supreme Court.
On remand, the Ninth Court today affirmed the trial court’s ruling.
Reyes is represented by Christina Lewis, attorney for the Houston law firm Moyer Lewis & Patton, and Dominique Bartholet of Gomel & Associates.
Senior Assistant Civil Attorney Quentin Price represents the county.