Man blames City of Charleston for car accident

CHARLESTON - A man is suing the City of Charleston for injuries he sustained in a car accident allegedly caused by one of its vehicles.

On July 19, 2011, Hameed Farook was being transported by a Charleston Fire Department ambulance employee in a non-emergency situation with no emergency lights engaged when the employee failed to maintain control of the vehicle and rear-ended a vehicle in front of him, according to a complaint filed July 11 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Farook claims the defendant's employee's actions toward him were negligent in that he was traveling too close to other vehicles and he failed to maintain control of the vehicle.

The defendant also failed to properly stop the vehicle, failed to exercise reasonable care in the operation of the vehicle and failed to keep a proper lookout, according to the suit.

Farook claims the City of Charleston is liable for his injuries because they were caused by the negligent operation of an ambulance and by the City of Charleston employee who was acting within the scope of his employment.

As a result of the collision, Farook suffered injuries to his knee, back, neck and other parts of his body, some of which are believed to be permanent in nature, according to the suit.

Farook claims he also incurred medical bills.

Because of the defendant's negligence, Farook also suffered physical pain; mental and emotional anguish; a diminished capacity to enjoy life and fully function; and a diminished capacity to earn a living, according to the suit.

Farook is seeking compensatory damages. He is being represented by S. Brooks West II of West Law Firm LC.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles E. King.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 13-C-1302