Man Claims Ralph Lauren|Ran Him Over

CHICAGO (CN) - Ralph Lauren himself ran over and seriously injured a man helping prepare an interview with Oprah Winfrey, the man claims in court.

Alan Chow sued Ralph Lauren, Double RL Cattle Co., Winfrey's company Harpo, and others in Cook County Court.

Chow claims that he was contracted to install microphones and recording equipment in a vehicle on Lauren's Double RL Ranch, near Ridgway, Colo., for Lauren's interview with Oprah Winfrey on May 7, 2011.

Chow says he was standing behind "a certain motor vehicle ... in the process of installing microphones and/or audio recording devices in the back of said motor vehicle, when defendant Ralph Lauren ... suddenly reversed said motor vehicle and collided with and struck plaintiff Alan Chow with great force and violence, causing the plaintiff to suffer severe and permanent injuries."

The Oprah interview with Lauren on his Double RL Ranch was broadcast May 27, 2011. It shows Lauren driving Winfrey around the ranch on "what he calls his other horse - a vintage 1948 Jeep," according to the video.

Chow claims Lauren "carelessly and negligently drove said motor vehicle into and against the plaintiff, although the plaintiff was in full and plain view for a sufficient length of time prior to the said collision for the defendant to have avoided said collision."

Lauren "drove said vehicle at a speed which was greater than reasonable and proper," and "negligently operated said motor vehicle without brakes adequate to control its movement, and to stop and hold it," the 18-page complaint says.

Chow claims he suffered "injuries to his head, body and limbs, both externally and internally, and muscles, ligaments, tissues, nerves and blood vessels in his head, body and limbs were bruised, lacerated, torn and/or injured and he suffered great bodily pain, injury and mental anguish from then until now, and he will continue to so suffer from said injuries in the future."

He blames Harpo Productions for creating a hazardous working environment and failing "to adequately and properly direct defendant, Ralph Lauren, in regard to the operation of the aforesaid motor vehicle and plaintiff's presence directly behind said motor vehicle prior to the collision."

Chow seeks damages for negligence, lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering.

He is represented by Jason Hammond with Salvato & O'Toole.

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