Report: Lawyers serve notice of intent to sue over St. Pete debris injury

The Tampa Bay Times reports that lawyers for the spectator injured by flying debris at last month's IndyCar season opener in St. Petersburg have notified the city that she intends to file a lawsuit over its "negligent acts or omissions."

The woman, identified as Brigitte Hoffstetter, was struck in the head by a piece of debris that sailed over the fence during the race. According to the court filing, Hoffstetter – who the Times reports is six months pregnant – stumbled after she was struck, hitting her head against the ground. Doctors at a local hospital diagnosed that she suffered a depressed skull fracture and a possible back injury.

Four days later, her attorneys sent the city a letter announcing their intent to sue in six months, as required under Florida law. The letter, obtained by the Times under open-records laws, alleges the city failed to have the race "operated in a proper and safe manner" and to "adequately protect spectators and/or individuals from the dangerous condition of flying debris or other projectiles."

The race marked the debut of IndyCar's bodywork aero kits, which proved vulnerable during car-to-car contact. Manufacturers Chevrolet and Honda have developed bostering for the aero kits for this weekend's race at NOLA Motorsports Park.

Click here to read the full report by the Tampa Bay Times.