Monongalia County couple blames driver for collision

MORGANTOWN -- A Monongalia County couple claims a Fayette County, Penn., woman is responsible for their temporary and permanent disability.

Roberta Ann and Ronald M. Gaspar were involved in a Jan. 31, 2004, automobile accident in Morgantown with Samantha L. Price.

In the suit filed Jan. 27, the Gaspars claim that Price rear-ended their automobile on the right, or passenger, side of the automobile Ronald was driving.

As a result of the accident, they were severely injured. Roberta was hurt badly, as she was on the passenger side of the vehicle, and was rushed to the hospital by an ambulance called to the scene. She suffered neck and back injuries, but her right arm and shoulder became immobilized. She also suffered from daily headaches and still has chronic pain.

Ronald was not as badly hurt, but still needed to be treated at the hospital.

Roberta was not able to go back to work because of her injuries, and Ronald was forced to stay home from his job in order to take care of her. Their marriage is also suffering because of their disabilities.

Filed by Dino S. Columbo of Columbo and Stuhr, P.L.L.C., the suit states that Roberta and Ronald have both suffered physical and emotional damage and temporary and permanent disabilities.

The Gaspars are each requesting different things from Price.

Ronald is suing her for compensatory damages for loss of spousal support, society, and the kindly offices of his wife. He is also seeking economic losses because she could not return to work and he had to take time off to care for her.

Roberta is seeking punitive damages for pain, suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience and annoyance. She is also seeking compensatory damages for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, expenses, prejudgement interest, court costs and attorney's fees.

Monongalia Circuit Court case number: 06-C-60