PHILADELPHIA – A man claiming he was violently attacked by the valet of the parking garage where he was returning to pick up his car, has launched an assault and battery lawsuit against the valet and his employers.
Gheorge Coclea of Philadelphia filed suit in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas on Feb. 16 versus Interpark, LLC and Dieudonne Outtara of Philadelphia, and LAZ Parking Limited, LLC of Hartford, Conn.
On May 7, 2016, Cochlea alleges he returned to the parking garage located at 1327 Locust Street in Philadelphia and attempted to leave in his vehicle, when defendant Outtara blocked his path with another vehicle. This caused both Coclea and Outtara to exit their vehicles.
“Without provocation, justification or any cause whatsoever, defendant Outtara snatched plaintiff’s cell phone from his hand, threw it on the ground and smashed it, breaking the screen. Defendant Outtara began striking plaintiff in the face and chest numerous times. When plaintiff advised defendant Outtara that he had a back condition, Outtara continued to strike him. Defendant Outtara then threatened plaintiff with something under his shirt as plaintiff waited to leave the parking garage,” the suit states.
Coclea says he notified the police, made a report that night and followed up with a private criminal complaint.
In the instant civil complaint, Coclea argues the incident and the injuries he suffered as a result (bruises, contusions, and a number of spinal injuries) were the result of the negligence, carelessness and recklessness of all of the defendants.
For multiple counts of assault and battery and negligent hiring and supervision, the plaintiff is seeking damages, jointly and severally, in excess of $50,000, plus interest and costs of suit, in addition to a trial by jury.
The plaintiff is represented by Leno P. Thomas of Solomon Berschler Fabick Campbell & Thomas, in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas case 180201557
From the Pennsylvania Record: Reach Courts Reporter Nicholas Malfitano at nickpennrecord@gmail.com