Landfill Accident Results In A Lawsuit

A local woman has sued the town and a municipal equipment operator in connection with a motor vehicle accident at the town landfill in October 1999.

In a lawsuit filed August 25 in Danbury Superior Court, Caroline R. Jessup of 151 Hanover Road sues the town and municipal equipment operator John T. O’Hara of Midway Trailer Park, Hawleyville, seeking damages of more than $15,000.

According to the lawsuit, about 2 pm October 27, 1999, Ms Jessup, who owned and operated a 1993 Ford Escort station wagon, was parked at the landfill on Ethan Allen Road and was disposing of a bird cage and other debris when Mr O’Hara, a public works employee who was driving a 1997 Caterpillar 950-F payloader owned by the town, crashed into the front end of the Ford causing heavy damage to it and seriously injuring Ms Jessup.

The lawsuit claims Mr O’Hara’s carelessness and negligence caused the accident.

The court papers state Ms Jessup received cervical and lumbrosacral sprains and strains, headaches, and dizziness, a shock to her nervous system, and pain to her body and mind. The accident resulted in Ms Jessup spending much money and the prospect of spending more money for medical care, medicine, and physical therapy, according to the lawsuit.

Ms Jessup seeks money damages and other relief through the lawsuit. The town has an October 10 court return date in the case.