Ceiling fan fell on tenant's head, suit claims

A New Orleans resident is suing a property owner after she says a ceiling fan fell and hit her on the head.

Madelene P. Smith filed suit against Kohnke Development, II and Howard Schmalz and Associates June 21 in Orleans Parish District Court.

Smith says she notified the owners twice about a wobbling living room ceiling fan. According to the lawsuit, Smith told the owners the fan did not blow enough air, did not rotate at a high enough speed to function properly and made a strange grinding noise. She claims she also notified the property owners that screws on the fan were loose and looked as if it could fall at anytime.

Smith says that on June 22, 2009, that same ceiling fan fell and landed on her head, knocking her unconscious for more than 15 minutes.

Smith is seeking damages for physical and emotional pain and suffering, attorney's fees, costs and interest.

Smith is acting as her own attorney.

Case No. 10-6347