Local Man Contemplates Suit Over Ambulance Call

By Andrew Gorosko

A local man is considering suing the town on behalf of his son, alleging that the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps made a “slow and negligent response” to his home last May after a call was placed for an ambulance for medical help for his son who was suffering an asthma attack.

Representatives for the town are scheduled to appear in Danbury Superior Court January 8 at a hearing at which David Tanner of 21 Equestrian Ridge Road, on behalf of his son, Bradley Tanner, 13, seeks to have the town produce the Emergency 911 telephone audiotapes and dispatching records for the night of May 7 and morning of May 8.

David Tanner is contemplating filing a personal injury civil lawsuit against the town on behalf of his son, Bradley, who was 12 at the time of the incident, according to legal papers filed in the matter.

According to a notice of intent to sue, which was filed with the town in October, on Sunday, May 7, “shortly prior to 11:50 pm,” Bradley Tanner suffered an acute asthma attack while with his family at his home at 21 Equestrian Ridge Road. According to the legal papers, Bradley’s mother, Linda Tanner, reported the problem via telephone “at 11:50 pm” to the 911 operator and provided the family name and address.

The legal papers state the ambulance corps made a “slow and negligent response” to the call for help, but do not specify the length of time involved. The documents allege a variety of complaints over how the ambulance corps handled the call.

The legal papers allege Bradley Tanner suffered at least 17 different medical, personal, and economic problems as a result of the incident, including extended respiratory arrest, hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, and coma.

Through a possible lawsuit, David Tanner would seek “damages in a fair, just and reasonable amount to compensate his son for these losses,” according to the legal papers.

The Tanners are represented by attorneys Alan M. Barry and Gregory Klein, both of Danbury.