A bicyclist who had to be transported to the hospital for treatment of
severe injuries last summer after being struck by a cab in Philadelphia has filed a personal injury claim against the driver and the company that owns the taxicab.
Douglas Wolfe says he sustained a head fracture, closed head injury, lacerations, cuts, contusions and abrasions to his head, face, shoulder and upper arm after he was violently thrown off of his bicycle when struck by a cab driven by Ricardeau Scutt, a Philadelphia resident.
Both Scutt and the company that owns the taxicab, Galant Cab Corp., are named as defendants in the lawsuit, which was filed on Sept. 19 in state court in Philadelphia by Jenkintown, Pa. attorney Randy H. Kaplan.
Wolfe was riding his bicycle northbound on 20th Street approaching the intersection with Market Street in downtown Philadelphia on Aug. 23, 2012, at about 7:45 in the evening when he was “violently” struck by the cab driven by Scutt, which was attempting to make a left turn onto eastbound Market Street at the time, according to the complaint.
The plaintiff had to be rushed to the emergency room at Hahnemann Hospital due to the severity of his injuries, which the lawsuit says has left him disabled and have caused him to experience great mental anguish, a loss of life’s enjoyment, embarrassment, humiliation, disfigurement and physical pain.
Wolfe was also unable to work following the accident, the suit states, meaning he has experienced earnings losses.
The defendants are accused of various acts of negligence, including failing to have a motor vehicle under proper control, driving at an excessive rate of speed, failing to give proper and sufficient warning of approach, and failing to yield to an oncoming driver while making a left turn.
The plaintiff is expected to have to undergo additional surgical procedures for the treatment of his injuries.
In addition to his medical costs, Wolfe claims that the accident caused him to lose a bike valued at $750.
Wolfe seeks $50,000 in monetary damages, plus litigation costs, attorney’s fees, punitive damages and other relief.
The case ID number is 130902248
Bicyclist who was struck by taxicab sues cab company and driver over head, other injuries
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