Woman hit by car demands $4,600 because crash ruined designer clothes

A Portland woman struck by a drunken driver in a crosswalk has filed a lawsuit seeking $4,600 for the designer clothes she was wearing at the time, on top of the cost of her medical bills.

The Oregonian reported Tuesday that Susan Layne sued in Multnomah County Circuit Court earlier this month. She says the crash not only left her with bruises, scratches and pain but destroyed a Chanel handbag, Prada boots and Burberry trench coat.

Several Portland attorneys said they have never had a client seek compensation for designer clothes, but it isn't outside the realm of possibility. They say a crash victim with high-priced clothing would be entitled to payment much like someone whose car or laptop was damaged.