A New Orleans doctor whose throat was slashed by an assailant at Harrah's New Orleans Casino claims she received no assistance from security personnel or casino employees after the attack, according to a lawsuit that was removed to federal court.
Dr. Susan Estrada-Brodmann is suing Harrah's New Orleans Management Co., also known as Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Jazz Casino Co. and XYZ Insurance Co. over the attack she claims occurred within yards of a security checkpoint.
In the suit, Brodmann claims she was stalked and approached by an unknown female who demanded her purse. When Brodmann refused, a struggle ensued and Brodmann was attacked. The assailant fled.
Brodmann claims the defendants are negligent for failing to detect and prevent the assault, failing to prevent a guest from entering the premises with a deadly weapon and failing to properly supervise their employees.
The lawsuit was originally filed in Orleans Parish in February, but removed to federal court in New Orleans on March 16.
In response to the lawsuit, the defendants deny responsibility for the criminal actions of others. Further, the defendants state that they are not responsible for damages pursuant to the Louisiana Comparative Fault Law which allocates damages proportionate to negligent responsibility.
Brodmann is seeking damages for physical pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, physical disability and scarring, emotional and mental anguish, interest, court costs and attorney's fees.
Metairie attorney Eric J. O'Bell of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams, LLP is representing Brodmann.
U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon is assigned to the litigation.
Case No 2:10cv00884
Louisiana doctor sues casino for failing to help after throat was slashed
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