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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Police applicant sues city after breaking leg during fitness test

A Beaumont woman who broke her arm and leg while performing a physical fitness test for the Beaumont Police Department has filed suit against the city.

In order to qualify as a patrol officer for the Beaumont Police Department, Carla Mattox was forced to undergo the physical fitness test, according to the complaint filed in Jefferson County District Court.

During the March 25 test, Mattox had to run an obstacle course, the suit states.

While running the course, Mattox fell while climbing a ladder with no handrails, she claims.

The fall caused her to break her arm and leg, according to the complaint.

"There was little or no supervision on the course even though the participants were required to climb to heights exceeding 10 feet," the suit states. "Further, there were no 'spotters' to help or protect the participants in case they fell from the structures."

Because of her fall, Mattox suffered severe injuries, pain and mental anguish and incurred medical costs, she claims.

She also suffered a loss of earnings, according to the complaint.

Beaumont was negligent by failing to properly maintain the obstacle course, by providing defective and improperly maintained equipment, by failing to adequately supervise the course and by having a sufficient number of people to act as spotters, Mattox claims.

Mattox is seeking unspecified damages, plus interest at the legal rate, attorney's fees, costs and other relief to which she may be entitled.

Michael R. McGown of Benckenstein, Norvell and Nathan in Beaumont will be representing her.

The case has been assigned to Judge Donald Floyd of the 172nd District Court.

Case No. D183-137

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