GRETNA – A contractor is suing a construction company and a pair of homeowners after a set of temporary stairs constructed out of styrofoam collapsed beneath him, causing him to fall and be injured.
James H. Smith filed suit against Centerline Development LLC, Joan Wilson, Robert Wilson Jr. and Atain Specialty Insurance Company in the 24th Judicial District Court on May 7.
Smith claims he was invited to a site owned by the Wilsons and operated by Centerline Development LLC at 7 Waverly Place in Metairie to submit an estimate for drywall work on a new home that was under construction. The plaintiff alleges that as he was walking into the garage he stepped on what he thought were steps, but were actually styrofoam boards placed as steps that collapsed beneath him causing him to fall. Smith contends he suffered severe and painful injuries in the incident and had to seek medical treatment.
The defendant is accused of careless maintenance, improper care and safety, failing to install and maintain proper entrance and exit, failing to warn warn of the stairs, failing to keep the property in a safe condition and failing to discover a dangerous condition.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of earrings, disfigurement, physical disability, loss of enjoyment of life and property damage.
Smith is represented by Douglass E. Along of Slidell-baed Tonry, Brinson & Glorioso LLC.
The case has been assigned to Division F Judge Michael P. Mentz.
Case no. 749-501.