A bicyclist who claims she was severely injured when a Virginia Beach police sergeant opened his car door is suing the officer for $1.6 million.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A bicyclist who claims she was severely injured when a Virginia Beach police sergeant opened his car door is suing the officer for $1.6 million, according to court documents.
Deborah Killen, a Maryland resident, was visiting Virginia Beach in September and riding her bike on Atlantic Avenue. At the time, Killen’s boyfriend was riding his bike several feet in front of her, the lawsuit states.
Meanwhile, Sgt. Dana Roys was sitting in his parked vehicle and planned to get out of the car, court documents state.
The complaint says Killen’s boyfriend made eye contact with Roys and passed the vehicle. After Killen’s boyfriend passed the vehicle, Roys opened his door and struck Killen. She was knocked off her bike and suffered significant injuries, the complaint says.
According to the complaint, Roys apologized, said he did not realize Killen was riding behind her boyfriend, and said he should’ve checked before opening the door.
The lawsuit states Killen suffered significant injuries, resulting in having surgery and being faced with future surgery. She also experienced significant pain, discomfort and inconvenience, while incurring “substantial” medical bills. The complaint also states that Killen has been limited in her activities, day-to-day affairs and employment.
“Killen continues to be in significant pain today and will be in the future,” the complaint states.
Killen is seeking $1,647,532 in the case, in addition to her attorney fees. She is requesting a jury trial.
Court documents claim Roys was negligent when he threw his door open into Killen’s path.
13News Now has reached out to the Virginia Beach Police Department for comment and has not heard back as of Friday afternoon.