La. man says he was injured at Nitro travel center

WINFIELD – A Louisiana couple says the husband injured himself in the parking lot of the Pilot Travel Center near Nitro and has sued for damages.

Larry and Lucretia Bouget of Denham Springs, La., filed their complaint March 13 in Putnam Circuit Court. They list Tennessee-based Pilot Corporation dba Pilot Travel Center No. 243 and manager Russell Woodrum.

Larry Bouget, an over-the-road tractor-trailer driver, says he was at the Pilot store on March 27, 2005, when he was injured "when he stepped into the low spot in the parking lot pavement, causing his left knee to twist."

The complaint says Bouget sustained a severe and permanent quad tendon rupture of his left knee. Bouget says he also has suffered past and future pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages of both he and his wife, loss of earning capacity, loss of ability to provide household services and permanent knee problems that include swelling, weakness and stiffness.

His wife sues for loss of consortium, including society, companionship, comfort, guidance, kindly office and the advise of her husband; loss of service, protection, care and assistance provided by Larry Bouget; and annoyance and inconvenience.

The Bougets seeks compensatory damages, attorney fees, court costs and other relief.

They are being represented by Charleston attorney Tim DiPiero of DiTrapano, Barrett & DiPiero. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge O.C. "Hobby" Spaulding.

Case number: 07-C-75