Sousa v. State

Actions by John Sousa and Joseph Evans, driver and passenger in a tractor-trailer truck, to recover damages for the injuries they sustained when the State-owned and -maintained bridge over the Gale River on Route 117 in Franconia collapsed while they were driving over it. Plaintiffs allege that their injuries were caused by the negligent failure of the State to properly maintain the bridge, to keep it in proper repair, and to post warning signs of load limitation. The State filed motions to dismiss these actions on the ground of sovereign immunity. The motion in the Sousa case was granted by…