Louisville to Pay $835,000 for Death, Injuries Caused by Speeding Cop
By Jim Greene
Published on July 05, 2010
The city of Louisville, Ky., will pay $835,000 as its share of a $1,335,500 settlement of a lawsuit over death and injuries caused by a Louisville Metro Police Officer speeding to work. The rest of the money will come from an insurance settlement.
Louisville Metro Government tried unsuccessfully to be excused from the case, saying Officer Kenten Measle was not on duty when his police car swerved into an emergency lane and struck and killed Donnie Puente, then 37, on Oct. 7, 2006. The cruiser also struck the stranded car Puente was refueling for a friend, injuring two occupants.
Judge Rules Officer Was on Duty
A judge ruled that Measle was on duty, since he was using a police vehicle he was allowed to drive to and from work, and was expected to perform police duties as required, even though his shift had not begun.
According to an auto accident reconstruction expert, Measle was traveling about 68 mph in a 55-mph zone at the time of the collision and disregarded proper traffic control by entering the emergency lane. The officer said he was attempting to pass to the right of a car that braked suddenly.
A district attorney for Jefferson County admitted that Measle was "speeding slightly," but ruled that the officer's conduct was not criminal. Measle was suspended from duty for 30 days without pay and not allowed the use of a police vehicle.
Records Show Officer in Other Incidents
Police records show Measle damaged two police cars in separate incidents prior to killing Puente and struck and injured a bicyclist in June 2008. The officer was suspended without pay for eight days for the injury accident.
The combined settlements from Louisville Metro Government and the insurance company will pay Puente's estate $800,000 to benefit his teenage daughter. One of the injured will receive $535,000; the other, $10,500.
If you or someone you know has been injured or has lost a loved one because of the improper actions of a government employee, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. This and other cases have clearly demonstrated that government agencies can be held accountable for the actions of their employees. You may be eligible for financial compensation to help you deal with medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship.
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