Slidell business sued after door sticks causing man to fall

A patron of an Advance America in Slidell is suing the business after its entryway door got stuck and caused him to fall.

St. Tammany Parish resident Jack Wiltz filed suit against Advance America and Cash Advance Centers of Louisiana on Oct. 14 in federal court in New Orleans.

The accident occurred on Jan. 14 as Wiltz was in the process of entering the Advance America in Slidell and the glass entryway door allegedly malfunctioned. As Wiltz attempted to open the glass door, the door stuck and then gave way, the suit claims. Wiltz states he fell backwards and hit his head and body on the cement, suffering serious injuries.

Wiltz accuses the defendants of knowing that the store's entryway door had a history of malfunctioning but failed to repair or replace it.

The defendants are accused of negligence for failing to maintain and inspect the glass entryway door, failing to repair or replace the glass, failing to warn of the defective entryway door, failing to provide a safe means of ingress for store patrons and failing to correct an unreasonably dangerous situation.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for mental pain and suffering, physical pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disability, scarring and disfigurement, medical expenses, court costs and interest.

Wiltz is represented by Joseph S. Piacun, Thomas A. Gennusa, II and Reid S. Uzee of Gennusa, Piacun & Ruli in Metairie.

U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10-cv-03614