LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles County man is seeking $5 million from the federal government over allegations he was injured in a 2015 collision with a federal vehicle.
Gary Zsupnik filed a complaint on Sept. 11 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against United States of America alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on May 16, 2015, his vehicle was struck by a Veterans Affairs Hospital Security vehicle and he submitted a claim for $5 million to the defendant in January 2017. The suit states the claim was denied in August 2017.
He alleges he first filed suit in August 2017 that was dismissed without prejudice so he could refile for workers' compensation benefits. The suit states on Aug. 9, the U.S. Department of Labor, Employees' Compensation Appeals Board rejected his appeal of his prior workers' compensation denial.
The plaintiff holds United States of America responsible because the VA employee allegedly was negligent in failing to keep attentive to his whereabouts and oncoming traffic, causing the plaintiff injuries.
The plaintiff seeks judgment against defendant for damages resulting from his injuries in the sum of $5 million, costs of suit, and further relief as the court deems just. He is represented by Jonathan E. Howell of Pocrass & De Los Reyes LLP in Los Angeles.
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California case number 2:18-cv-07911