KATY, Texas (Covering Katy News) — The family of a 76-year-old woman killed when a Tesla crashed into her Katy-area home has sued the driver, Richmond resident Michael Butler, and Tesla Inc., alleging defects in the vehicle’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems caused or contributed to the crash.
Just four days after the crash, the family filed suit Tuesday, June 23, in Harris County’s 61st District Court. Attorney Ryan Zehl represents Martha Avila’s daughter, Jennifer Barbour, and her husband, Justin Barbour, who was injured when the Tesla crashed through the home.
The family is seeking more than $1 million in damages. It is also asking for punitive, or exemplary, damages—additional money intended to punish especially reckless conduct and discourage similar behavior in the future if a jury determines such an award is justified…