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The parents of a toddler killed in an accident in their driveway are seeking monetary compensation for their loss.
Bethany Lamb, 16 months, died Aug. 4 after being run over by a delivery truck driven by William Bartlett of Indianapolis.
Bethany's parents, Barry and Brandie Lamb, and a brother, Blake Lamb, are the plaintiffs in the case filed recently in Kosciusko Circuit Court.
Bartlett and his employer, CD&L Commercial Rental, are the defendants.
According to court documents, Bartlett pulled forward in the circle driveway after making a delivery to the Lamb residence and struck the child with the right rear dual tires of the truck.
The lawsuit claims that Bartlett was negligent in the operation of the vehicle. It also notes that CD&L is at fault because the company hired Bartlett despite several driving offense convictions that reflect "a very low regard for Indiana's traffic laws and the safety of others."
The Lambs are seeking an unspecified amount to compensate for the loss of their daughter, plus funeral expenses, expenses incurred for Blake Lamb's psychological counseling required because of the death and an amount to compensate for emotional distress (Brandie and Blake Lamb both saw Bethany's body in the driveway after she was injured). Also sought are punitive damages against CD&L in an amount that would punish the business for the negligent hiring of Bartlett and encourage CD&L to more carefully screen drivers in the future.
The attorney for the Lambs is William S. Fawley of Valentine & Miner, Warsaw. A jury trial is requested in this case.
