Edmonton Sun

Sat, August 11, 2007
Chuckwagon race lands organizers, driver in court
Spectator claims injury, loss of work

By TONY BLAIS, COURT BUREAU

A city couple is suing Edmonton Northlands and the World Professional Chuckwagon Association after a driver allegedly lost control of his horses and crashed.

In a $230,000 lawsuit, which also lists the unnamed chuckwagon driver and the owners of the horses as defendants, Ann and Tom Johnman allege she was injured in the crash and they have both been adversely affected.

According to a statement of claim filed July 20, Ann Johnman, a licensed practical nurse, was a spectator at a chuckwagon race at Northlands Park on July 22, 2005.

She was standing behind a perimeter fence near the track when the chuckwagon driver lost control of his horses and two of them crashed into and went up and over the portion of the fence by her, says the statement of claim.

The crash caused Johnman to fall down, resulting in a sprained right knee, torn ligaments in her left knee and other damage to both knees, says the statement of claim.

As a result of the injuries, Johnman required hospital, medical and physiotherapy treatment and had to have her left knee braced, says the statement of claim.

The lawsuit alleges Johnman lost wages due to missing work and having to have her hours reduced.

As well, her husband has suffered by being deprived of her society, comfort, domestic service and consortium.

The statement of claim alleges Northlands and the World Professional Chuckwagon Association are liable for failing to provide safe premises for visitors.

It alleges the chuckwagon driver was negligent for losing control of the horses and failing to prevent them from running into the fence and the owners of the horses are liable for what their animals did.

Ann Johnman is seeking $100,000 in general damages and $100,000 in special damages while her husband is asking for $10,000.

The province also wants to recoup $20,000 for medical services provided to the injured woman.

A statement of defence has not yet been filed. Statements of claim and statements of defence contain allegations which have not been proven.