The widow of a Norridgewock man who was struck and killed by a motor vehicle on New Year’s Eve 2013 is suing the driver of the vehicle in a Kennebec County Superior Court wrongful death suit.

Stanley Worthley, 70, was crossing Mercer Road, which is U.S. Route 2, at about 5 p.m., Dec. 31, 2013, when he was struck by a westbound 2003 Toyota Highlander driven by William Young, 65, of Fayette.

Worthley’s wife, Marylee Worthley, as personal representative of the estate of her late husband, is seeking damages for the cost of medical treatment before her husband’s death, funeral expenses and other costs.

Marylee Worthley alleges that Young was negligent and driving too fast without regard for pedestrians and failed to take evasive action to avoid striking Worthley.

Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster said Monday that the department’s investigation of the crash found that Worthley was wearing dark clothing and that neither speed nor alcohol were contributing factors in the accident. He said the district attorney declined to prosecute.

The lawsuit was filed in January.

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In court paperwork Marylee Worthley says the weather was cold and the road was clear and dry when her husband was hit.

Worthley’s complaint also says, “As a result (of the accident), Mr. Worthley’s arm was nearly severed from his body and Mr. Worthley lay in the road choking on blood and struggling for life.” It was filed by her attorney Michael Hodgins of Augusta.

Worthley suffered “conscious pain and suffering and ultimately death,” the complaint reads.

Following the accident, Worthley was taken by helicopter to Central Maine Medical Center and died at the hospital, according to a published report of the accident.

Medical bills incurred exceeded $26,000. The family also had to pay funeral expenses.

MaryLee Worthlee, the victim’s wife of 46 years, suffered loss of comfort, companionship, guidance and support as a result of the accident.

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She has suffered loss of Social Security benefits. She also is seeking damages under a state “survival statute” for pain and suffering suffered by her husband in the moments leading up to his death.

Maine law provides that when a person with the right to sue for personal injuries dies, the estate stands in the claimant’s place and may proceed with the suit.

Doug Harlow — 612-2367

dharlow@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @Doug_Harlow


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