AMC Elmwood theater sued for woman’s alleged permanent disability due to fall in parking lot

GRETNA – A woman who claims she was seriously injured in a trip over handicapped sign is suing a local theater alleging permanent disability.

Carolyn Mire filed suit against American Multi-Cinema Inc. and Flik Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Oct. 17.

Mire claims that she was visiting the AMC Elmwood Palace 20 Theater, owned and operated by the defendants, located at 1200 Elmwood Park Blvd. in Harahan when she pulled into a handicapped parking space. The plaintiff alleges that as she exited her vehicle she walked around the front of the car and tripped on the base of of a broken handicapped parking sign and fell to the ground. Mire contends that as a result of the incident she injured her hip, wrist, knee and body as a whole.

The plaintiff asserts that following the incident she immediately, through a Virginia-based attorney who was friend of her family, entered into negotiations with the defendant’s insurer concerning her injuries. Mire claims that during the settlement negotiations the attorney representing the property insurer of American Multi-Cinema Inc. and Flik Inc. failed to notify her or her attorney that the case was to proscribe after one year, which it did in August 2014. However, Mire claims because the defendants were actively involved in settling the case the proscription period should be extended.

The defendant is accused of negligence, failing to repair the handicapped sign, failing to remove the broken handicapped parking sign, failing to barricade the broken sign, failing to warn of a danger and failing to inspect the parking lot.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, permanent disability, loss of enjoyment of life and medical expenses.

Mire is represented by Clarence F. Favret III of New Orleans-based Favret & Lea LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division G Judge Robert A. Pitre Jr.

Case no. 743-555.