By Bryan Manabat
bryan@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
A TINIAN resident and his minor son have filed a civil lawsuit against Black Micro Corporation and one of its employees, alleging negligence in a 2024 traffic collision that they say caused serious injuries and long-term harm.
The six-page complaint, filed Jan. 5 in the CNMI Superior Court, names plaintiffs Sandy John Camacho King and his son K.K., represented by guardian ad litem Jocelyn Toves King. The suit stems from an Aug. 10, 2024, crash at the Marpo Heights intersection on Broadway Road.
According to the lawsuit, Petrus Van Der Westhuizen, an employee of Black Micro, was driving a company-owned Ford F-150 when he allegedly failed to stop at a posted stop sign and yield sign while approaching the intersection from 42nd Street. The plaintiffs claim Van Der Westhuizen entered the roadway “when it was unsafe to do so,” striking their vehicle in a T-bone collision.
The impact reportedly crushed the driver-side doors, compromised the vehicle’s frame, and deployed the airbags. The plaintiffs say they required immediate medical attention and continue to suffer physical, emotional, and financial harm.
The lawsuit asserts four causes of action: negligence against Van Der Westhuizen; respondeat superior, holding Black Micro vicariously liable for its employee’s actions; negligent hiring, training, and supervision; and negligent entrustment of the company vehicle.
The complaint alleges Black Micro failed to properly train or supervise its employee and that the company “knew or should have known” that allowing him to operate the vehicle without adequate safeguards posed a risk to the public.
The plaintiffs are seeking economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. They also request mandatory mediation under court rules and a jury trial if mediation fails.
A Jan. 7 summons orders Van Der Westhuizen to respond within 21 days of service or risk a default judgment.
The plaintiffs are represented by the Torres Brothers, LLC law firm. Black Micro Corporation has not yet filed a response with the court, and no hearing dates have been set.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
