NEW ORLEANS – A rental company is being sued over its alleged negligence that led to the destruction of an antique statue in the City Park Botanical Garden.
New Orleans City Park Improvement Association filed suit against Scurlock Rentals LLC and United Fire and Casualty Company in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Nov. 14, 2014.
The plaintiff asserts that it rented a tent to distribute beverages during City Park's annual Celebration in the Oaks event. On Jan. 6, 2014, the plaintiff claims that the tent suddenly fell on the Water Goddess statue in the Botanical Garden.
The statue was a work created by deceased New Orleans artist Enrique Alferez that had been housed within the park since the 1930s.
The plaintiff claims that the defendant and its insurance providers are liable for the damages to the statue according to its fair-market appraisal value considering their negligence on part of failing to properly install and secure the tent and failing to properly monitor its condition as well.
The plaintiff seeks an unspecified amount in damages for the value of the property destroyed.
The plaintiff is represented by Michael L. Deshazo and Amanda M. Plaiscia of New Orleans-based Kinney, Ellinghausen, Richard & Deshazo LLP.
This case has been assigned to Division G Judge Robin M. Giarusso.
Case no. 2014-11006.
City Park sues rental company for allegedly damaging historic sculpture
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