Pedestrian hit by a car sues Jefferson City over crosswalk

An injured pedestrian is suing Jefferson City after she was hit by a car in, what her lawyer says, a known dangerous intersection.

In February, Carol Ortbals, 56, was walking from a parking lot to her job at the Division of Employment Security building when she was hit. She suffered injuries to the head, neck, back, spine and lower and upper extremities.

There is no crosswalk between the parking lot and building near the intersection of Jackson and Dunklin streets. The lawsuit says the city was aware of the danger, but failed to take any action.

The suit cites an internal memo that circulated through the Jefferson City Public Works Department stating there was some support on the City Council for making improvements.

Ortbals is asking for six counts of $250,000 plus medical costs. Her husband is asking for $750,000 compensation for his wife’s earnings and support.

The city did not comment, saying they have not seen the lawsuit.

The driver involved in the accident is not included in the lawsuit.