NATCHITOCHES, La. - The City of Natchitoches has been ordered to pay nearly $300,000 in damages, plus legal interest and court costs, following a lawsuit arising from a January 2024 traffic collision involving a Natchitoches Police Department vehicle.
In written reasons for judgment issued by the 10th Judicial District Court, the City stipulated that it was 100 percent at fault for the accident involving Natchitoches Police Officer Roy Lee and motorist Elaina Sonnier. Because liability was admitted, the only issue remaining for trial was the amount of damages owed to the plaintiff.
The Court ultimately awarded a total judgment of $299,411, consisting of past and future pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent impairment, past medical expenses, and future medical expenses.
According to the Court, Ms. Sonnier sought medical treatment immediately following the collision and later underwent extensive follow-up care. Medical evidence presented at trial included MRI findings showing disc bulging in the lumbar spine, ongoing shoulder and knee complaints, physical therapy treatment, and recommendations for future medical procedures.
What makes this case noteworthy is not that the City was found responsible for the collision. The City had already admitted fault before trial.
Instead, the written reasons suggest the Court believed the defense failed to adequately challenge the plaintiff’s medical evidence.
Read more from our partners at Natchitoches Parish Journal here.