A mother is suing a driver for allegedly causing a car accident and injuring her daughter.
Kellie Chrestman, mother and next friend of minor Chelsie Sumoski, filed a lawsuit on June 9 in Madison County Circuit Court against Alexander Dugan on allegations of vehicular negligence in a September 2014 collision.
The suit states that the child was a passenger in a vehicle operated on the 1200 block of Troxler in the City of Highland on or about Sept. 25, 2014. Dugan, driving a 1997 Dodge Dakota, allegedly rear-ended the vehicle.
According to the filing, Dugan negligently failed to control his vehicle, drive at an appropriate speed, reduce his speed, take evasive action to avoid a collision, keep a proper lookout and pay attention.
Chrestman claims the girl sustained injuries to her neck, head, back and general body, requiring medical intervention and hospital care. The plaintiff alleges her daughter suffered pain, anguish, loss of a normal life, and permanent disability; and that she herself has incurred liabilities for the necessary care and treatment of Chelsie’s injuries.
Chrestman seeks judgment in her favor for damages in excess of $50,000; plus attorneys’ fees and costs.
She is represented by Steven Katzman of Katzman & Sugden in Belleville
Madison County Circuit Court case number 15-L-750.