A school traffic guard is suing for $5 million after being hit by a car.
In the case filed in Circuit Court, Noelle Bittle alleges that the defendant, Wallace Dawson, hit her from behind in a school zone.
The lawsuit says that Ms. Bittle was directing traffic outside Lookout Valley Elementary School on Browns Ferry Road on Aug.
18, 2014 when the incident took place.
It says that the plaintiff was wearing reflective crossing gear including a full-length rain jacket as well as reflective hand gloves and a vest that said “School Patrol.” In addition, it states that the speed limit there during school hours is 15 mph.
The plaintiff says that she motioned for a vehicle to go northbound and then for a school bus to exit the school. Despite having her arm extended to stop oncoming traffic, she alleges that the defendant hit her with his SUV from behind.
The lawsuit states that the plaintiff lost consciousness at the scene and was rushed to Erlanger Hospital in an ambulance.
It also says the lacerations on her face were so severe that she had to undergo reconstructive plastic surgery. She also underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and a four-part humerus fracture to the right shoulder.
The requested $5 million award is for alleged negligence and gross negligence.